Waltham residents react to new workweek proposal 

Some Waltham residents seem enthusiastic about the idea of a national 32-hour workweek reintroduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Mark Takano of California, but expressed concern about how it would be implemented. 

“I think it’s fair under the circumstances and the pay scales. Something’s got to give. Either more money or [fewer] hours,” Waltham resident Peter Tzannos said, speaking of the state of the economy. 

Sanders and Takano recently reintroduced the “Thirty Two Hour Workweek Act,” something they had proposed back in 2021. Their proposal would gradually reduce the typical 40-hour workweek to 32 hours over four years. People would work fewer hours while still earning the same pay and benefits of a 40-hour workweek. The proposal would also lower when employees could become eligible for overtime pay down to 32 hours and double their wages after 12-hour shifts.

Residents interviewed for this article cited more opportunities for income, a better work-life balance and less stress as reasons for supporting the proposed bill, saying they hope its implementation would increase productivity in the workplace and improve the quality of life. 

“I really don’t see that there should be any concern,” said Tzannos, a real estate agent and corporate administrator. “I don’t think either side’s really giving up too much. So I think it’s a win-win situation.” 

Living costs a bigger worry

And yet, some of those who spoke to the Waltham Times also expressed concern about the economic impact of a shortened workweek, especially when it comes to supporting their families and communities. 

Nicolas Pavone, business manager of Laborers’ Union Local 560, said the workers worry about their financial security amid economic uncertainty. 

“The biggest concern we hear is [about] the wage [not] keeping pace with the cost of living,” Pavone said. “Healthcare, groceries, everything has gone up.”

In introducing their proposal, the two lawmakers cited success stories of a 32-hour workweek from elsewhere in the world. One such study, a pilot conducted in the United Kingdom in 2022, found that over 70% of the 3,000 workers included in the study reported being more satisfied with their time and experiencing less burnout. Other studies have found boosts in productivity. In one case study from Microsoft Japan, the company reported that a four-day workweek pilot increased the company’s productivity by 40%, a finding that experts say might be because a reduced workweek encourages people to use their time more efficiently.   

When Sanders last introduced the bill, in 2024, Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana — who lost his Senate seat in the primary earlier this year — slammed the idea, saying it “will destroy employers, forcing them to either ship jobs overseas or dramatically increase prices to try and stay afloat.” 

Eric Rumo, a homeless Waltham resident, said the fewer hours will benefit families as they can spend more time at home together. However, he added he hopes the residents of Waltham, and Massachusetts, are ultimately the deciding factor if the law should pass.  

The proposal has thus far only been introduced in Congress. No hearings or other actions have been taken up to advance the bill. 

This story is part of a partnership between The Waltham Times and the Boston University Department of Journalism’s Newsroom program.