MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – A proposal in Montpelier that rethinks the length of the workweek is sparking deep discussions among Vermonters.
WCAX News told you earlier this year about a bill that would set Vermont’s workweek at 32 hours. It’s modeled after research from Europe that shows increased productivity and less burnout among the workforce.
The bill did not pass this year. But the bill’s author, Bradford Rep. Monique Priestley, says lawmakers designed the bill to be a conversation starter about what America’s work-life balance should look like in the digital age.
“Not only is it post-pandemic, but also looking at what’s next– artificial Intelligence and automation,” said Priestley, D-Bradford. “We are at a crucial time where we need to start thinking about what the future of work looks like.”
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, has introduced a similar bill in Congress.