As part of his Labor Day message to workers in the United States, Sen. Bernie Sanders on Monday re-upped his call for the establishment of a 20% cut to the workweek with no loss in pay—an idea he said is “not radical” given the enormous productivity gains over recent decades that have resulted in massive profits for corporations but scraps for employees and the working class.

“It’s time for a 32-hour workweek with no loss in pay,” Sanders wrote in a Guardian op-ed as he cited a 480% increase in worker productivity since the 40-hour workweek was first established in 1940.

“It’s time,” he continued, “that working families were able to take advantage of the increased productivity that new technologies provide so that they can enjoy more leisure time, family time, educational and cultural opportunities—and less stress.”

  • Kit
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    1 year ago

    I started working a 6:30am-2:30pm job and it’s life changing. The first hour is just getting settled, I spend lunchtime organizing my calendar and Emails, and I still have time for a full day of activities after work.

    • Thursday@lemm.ee
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      1 year ago

      I am super jealous. Imagine finishing work and have time to hang out with your friends and family. Living the dream.

      • KyuubiNoKitsune
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        1 year ago

        Being up that early (for me) means I need to be in bed by 10pm, so home by 9. Most of my friends are not available at 3pm and usually stay out until 10-11. It can lead to feeling very isolated in my experience.

        I’m not OP but I worked a 6-3 job for a year or so, gladly swapped it out for a 10-7pm, get to sleep in and stay put late.

        But it’s all about preferences and priorities.

        • SweetSitty@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          I think that the stage of life you’re in would also play a huge part in what hours you’d prefer. When I was single, I’d prefer later hours like you so I could have a more relaxed morning. Now that I’m married with kids, however, an earlier schedule would mean more family time. Especially as school events are often scheduled for the early evening.

          • KyuubiNoKitsune
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            1 year ago

            Most definitely. Most of my life was external to my home, so having others available at the same time was important. I’d probably feel much the same as you if I had a family.

          • SheeEttin@lemmy.world
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            1 year ago

            I’m single and I enjoy the early work because it means I have more time after work to do things with friends (or go to the gym or whatever)

            • KyuubiNoKitsune
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              1 year ago

              I guess if your friends are available before normal work hours end, it makes sense.

    • BigBananaDealer@lemm.ee
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      1 year ago

      i wish i could do that, but my body is not programmed for such early rising. i tried and it is a wonder i didnt crash my car on the way to work

      • Kit
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        1 year ago

        It’s definitely not for everyone! I’m one of those weirdos who wakes up super early every day naturally. My partner, on the other hand, naturally sleeps til 10 or 11.