WASHINGTON – Washington State Representative Shaun Scott and other lawmakers are debating a new bill that could change the standard work week for many residents.
The proposal aims to reduce the standard work week from 40 hours to 32 hours. If passed, employers would be required to pay overtime for any hours worked beyond 32 hours in a seven-day period.
The bill also proposes changes to paid sick leave, offering workers one hour of sick leave for every 32 hours worked.
In a statement highlighting the differences in work hours across countries, a source said, “Americans work annually 125 more hours yearly than workers in Canada, 204 hours more annually 279 more annually than workers in the UK, and 470 hours more annually then people in Germany… BUT As hard as we work, we are not necessarily more productive.”
This debate comes as lawmakers consider ways to improve work-life balance and productivity for Washington residents.
