Posted 9/18/2023, 5:38:00 PM

Sanders Backs Shorter Workweek as AI Advances - Polls Show Strong Support for 4-Day Week to Share Benefits of Automation

Sen. Bernie Sanders supports reducing the workweek to benefit workers, not corporate profits, as AI improves productivity.
A recent poll found 80% of people support a 4-day workweek over a 5-day week.
In a Microsoft survey, 49% worried AI would replace their jobs, but 70% wanted AI to reduce their workload.
UAW's push for a 32-hour workweek would help mainstream the 4-day workweek concept.
Experts say a shorter workweek would share the benefits of automation with workers, not just shareholders.

marketwatch.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/5/2023

Four-day workweek, 46% raise: UAW makes 'audacious' demands ahead of possible strike against Big 3 automakers

The United Auto Workers union representing workers at the Big 3 U.S. automakers is demanding a four-day workweek at full-time pay, a 46% wage increase, and a share of company profits, threatening to strike if an agreement is not reached by September 14.

9/11/2023

UAW President Proposes 32-Hour Work Week for Better Pay and Quality of Life, Despite Hurdles for Manufacturing

United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain is pushing for a 32-hour work week for 40 hours of pay, inspired by successful trials of shorter work weeks by companies like Microsoft, but automakers are unlikely to approve the proposal due to logistical challenges and cost.

9/14/2023

UAW Threatens Strike Against Automakers Over Demands for Shorter Workweek, Higher Wages

The United Auto Workers union is threatening to strike over stalled contract negotiations, with one of their demands being a four-day workweek, working 32 hours for 40 hours of pay, in an effort to improve work-life balance and address long working hours.

9/17/2023

UAW Seeks Wage Hikes and COLA But Unlikely to Win 32-Hour Workweek in Auto Contract Talks

The United Auto Workers and the Detroit Three carmakers may reach an agreement sooner if they focus on key job provisions, although the union will likely have to accept that a 32-hour workweek for 40 hours of pay is not feasible, according to industry insiders and observers.

9/17/2023

Sanders: Share AI Productivity Gains With Workers Through Shorter Hours, More Paid Time Off

US Senator Bernie Sanders called for a discussion on reducing the workweek and providing more paid time off for workers as a result of the increased productivity from artificial intelligence and robotics, emphasizing the need for the benefits to be shared by all rather than just the wealthy.

9/17/2023

Sanders Backs 4-Day Workweek to Share Productivity Gains from AI and Technology

Bernie Sanders supports a 4-day workweek and blames long working hours for a decline in US life expectancy, agreeing with the United Auto Workers' demand for a shorter workweek.