You should not be working more than 32 hours a week. That is something Bernie Sanders wants to make a reality. In a recent interview on Joe Rogan’s podcast, the longtime U.S. senator revealed why it would be a good thing.
In a recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, Sanders proposed using AI’s productivity to our advantage. As it can beat a human regarding productivity, the U.S senator proposes to shorten the traditional workweek, providing workers with more free time.
“You’re a worker, your productivity is increasing because we give you AI, right?” Sanders said. “Instead of throwing you out on the street, I’m going to reduce your workweek to 32 hours.”
Sanders’ vision includes introducing the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act, which he first introduced last year. The bill from last year would require employers to pay overtime for any hours worked beyond a 32-hour workweek, effectively moving towards a four-day workweek.
Bernie Sanders says the idea reflects a simple thing: when technology makes workers more efficient, they should have more free time. He has previously emphasized that people should be able to spend more time with family, enroll in classes, or simply enjoy a better quality of life.
“It’s time for a change — real change. As more Americans are giving up on government and democracy, the time is long overdue for Congress to stand up for the hard-pressed working families of our country. And an important step in that direction would be implementing a 32-hour work week with no loss in pay,” Bernie Sanders wrote at the time.
Bernie Sanders calls for a four-day, 32-hour working week
Sanders argues that, with the increased efficiency enabled by AI and automation, workers should no longer have to work 40 hours a week.
“Let’s use technology to benefit workers,” Sanders said. “That means, give you more time with your family, with your friends, for education, whatever the hell you want to do. You don’t have to work 40 hours a week anymore.”
Sanders explained that it would be implemented gradually over 4 years, giving businesses time to adapt. While AI could enable people to work fewer hours, he also warned about the rapid rise of AI.
“I think we are not all that far away from the development of robotic soldiers,” Sanders told NBC News. “Right now, politicians — at least sometimes — have to worry about loss of life when they decide to go to war. If you don’t have to worry about loss of life, and what you worry about is loss of robots, what does that mean for issues of war and peace globally? It’s a big issue.”
He added, “If you don’t have to worry about loss of life, and what you worry about is loss of robots, what does that mean for issues of war and peace globally?”
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