Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has criticized a proposed 32-hour workweek with no loss in pay, warning that it would lead to job losses and increased inflation. Cassidy, the ranking member on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), voiced his concerns about the proposal put forth by his colleague, Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. According to Cassidy, the government mandating a shorter workweek while simultaneously requiring businesses to increase pay would be detrimental to employers, forcing them to either outsource jobs or raise prices. He described the Biden administration’s support for such a measure as adding fuel to the inflation fire, stating that it would have severe consequences for businesses and contribute to overall inflation.
Sanders introduced the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act, which aims to gradually reduce the standard workweek from 40 hours to 32 hours over four years by lowering the overtime pay threshold for non-exempt employees. The legislation would mandate overtime compensation at time and a half for workdays longer than eight hours and double a worker’s regular pay for workdays longer than 12 hours. It also includes provisions to protect workers’ pay and benefits, ensuring that a shorter workweek does not result in reduced income.
Cassidy strongly disagrees with Sanders’ proposal, arguing that implementing a government-mandated reduction in work hours without reducing pay would be disastrous for small businesses. He believes that such a policy would threaten the viability of millions of small businesses, many of which are already struggling to find enough workers and operating on thin profit margins. Cassidy warns that employers would be forced to replace full-time positions with part-time ones, and the cost of labor would increase, potentially leading to automation, outsourcing, and inflation.
In an interview with Fox Business host Stuart Varney, Cassidy criticized Sanders’ proposal as another example of the federal government promising free money without considering the consequences. He emphasized that there are significant ramifications for paying workers the same amount for fewer hours, including increased labor costs, potential job outsourcing, and contributing to inflation. Cassidy believes that the proposed 32-hour workweek is not a good deal for workers and cautioned against the allure of free benefits without understanding the underlying costs.
Overall, Cassidy’s critical stance on the proposed 32-hour workweek reflects conservative concerns about government intervention in the labor market and the potential negative impact on businesses, inflation, and job opportunities.
