The 40-hour workweek was established in 1940, but times have changed, and many lawmakers across the country are pushing for a shorter workweek.
State Rep. G. Roni Green will propose legislation that would require large companies to cut down workweeks even further, from 40 to 32 hours, according to PhillyVoice. Salaries would remain the same.
“A four-day workweek would provide hardworking individuals with more time for rest, family obligations, and focus on both physical and mental health,” Green, a Democrat from Philly, wrote in a memorandum.
This marks the third four-day workweek bill introduced this year to the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
Democratic State Rep. Dave Madsen introduced a bill earlier this year to pilot a four-day workweek, and the House Labor & Industry Committee is currently conducting a cost-benefits analysis of the shift.
Despite these efforts, Republican support has been lacking in Pennsylvania. State Rep. Dawn Keefer told ABC27 that Madsen’s proposal would involve the government where it doesn’t belong.