It’s also some sort of Idea with these people
Proposed bill would shorten California workweek to 32 hours. Here’s what you need to know
A proposed bill winding its way through the state Legislature could make California the first state in the nation to reduce its workweek to four days for a large swath of workers.
The bill, AB 2932, would change the definition of a workweek from 40 hours to 32 hours for companies with more than 500 employees. A full workday would remain at eight hours, and employers would be required to provide overtime pay for employees working longer than four full days.
The bill was authored by Assembly Members Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens) and Evan Low (D-San Jose). At the federal level, a bill by Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) is pushing for similar changes under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
So, anything over 32 would require time and a half? What could possibly go wrong? Companies not allowing any time over 32. Maybe hiring more part time to fill the gap. Passing on the increased labor costs to the consumer. Oh, hey, how about getting the hell out of California. It has a better chance there than nationally.
Reached by phone Friday, Garcia said the idea was prompted in part by the exodus of employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of whom were seeking a better quality of life. More than 47 million Americans voluntarily quit their jobs in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“We’ve had a five-day workweek since the Industrial Revolution,” Garcia said, “but we’ve had a lot of progress in society, and we’ve had a lot of advancements. I think the pandemic right now allows us the opportunity to rethink things, to reimagine things.”
Why is this the business of government? Why can’t they just piss off?
Opponents say a four-day workweek would stunt job growth in the state and could create untenable conditions for employers. The California Chamber of Commerce included the bill on its “job killer” list, writing that it would significantly increase labor costs, expose employers to litigation and impose requirements that are “impossible to comply with.”
Just make everyone part time, hence, no need to pay benefits. It would, of course, increase part time employment. A lot of people would be working two jobs.
The bill as written would apply to employers in California with at least 500 employees. According to the state’s Employment Development Department, that’s about 2,600 businesses and more than 3.6 million employees.
My bet is the number of those companies will get down to about 200, having moved elsewhere.
Unionized workforces, or those with collective bargaining agreements, are exempt, Garcia said.
Surprise! The Dems pushing this know it would hurt union workers, as they would see their hours cut, benefits cut, and companies bolt. If it’s not good enough for them, why is it good enough for others?