IN THIS EPISODE
How would you like to work 8 fewer hours each week, for the same pay? That’s what Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) proposes. His new would shorten America’s standard workweek to 32 hours, with overtime at 8+ hours a day and double time at 12 hours. Sanders argues that the AI revolution will allow us to work less and be just as productive. Opponents say small businesses could buckle under the costs of this change. Some countries are already experimenting with this idea, as are some American companies. How is that going? What would the pros & cons be… and would you want it for your company?
Also, one of the big labor issues lately has involved children: namely, when and how much they’re allowed to work. A number of mostly Republican-led states have been advancing bills to relax child labor laws. Other states have considered bills to strengthen regulations. I’ll have a quick update on where those efforts stand.
And Happy Pi Day! The annual event on March 14th (3.14 - get it?) celebrates that famous mathematical constant, but America has a constant problem with math. It’s serious enough that experts consider it a threat to national security. How bad is it… and how good are your basic math skills?
CHAPTERS
0:00-Intro/Chat
3:53-Sanders 32-hour workweek bill
42:04-Visit nightlightjoshua.com
43:15-Workweek bill, pt. 2
51:29-Update on child labor laws
1:06:09-Pi Day
1:33:49-Thanks for listening!
ASK ME ANYTHING! — TUESDAY, MARCH 26TH, 7PM ET
Remember, paid subscribers get to submit questions for our monthly AMA live streams. I’ve decided to experiment with making the stream available for anyone to watch live, but taking part remains a premium perk. Thanks to everyone who’s a paid subscriber, and to all those who’ll sign up and keep The Night Light going strong.
Should America have a 32-hour workweek?