Progressive congressional staffers withdrew their 32-hour week proposal only a day after receiving widespread blowback from either side of the aisle in regards to the plan.
“The letter failed to make two things clear: First, that progressive congressional staff are dedicated to serving the American people no matter how many hours it takes to get the job done,” the Congressional Progressive Workers Affiliation (CPSA) mentioned in a Friday press launch. “Second, that there are well-known, longstanding workplace issues that deserve Congress’s immediate attention if it wishes to effectively serve the people.”
The staffers on Thursday proposed the concept to shorten the workweek, arguing the discount in hours would profit the work being finished on Capitol Hill. The group’s Thursday letter, which was addressed to each Home and Senate leaders, mentioned their proposal would “improve worker satisfaction, increase staff retention,” and mannequin a sustainable work strategy nationally.
The shorter workweek, per the plan, can be enforced for Washington-based staffers when their bosses are out of session or doing work of their district. For the district employees, it will be energetic when lawmakers are in session on Capitol Hill.
“There are myriad ways Congress can address these issues. Right now, a 32-hour workweek for staff will not be one of them,” the group mentioned Friday. “We are ready to continue the urgent task of serving our bosses’ constituents and advancing the causes that put working-class people first.”
“CPSA is looking forward to continuing to support staff in their efforts to address these critical workplace issues,” the group added.
The proposal for a lighter workweek was instantly criticized by different staffers and lawmakers.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) slammed the concept, writing that, as a former staffer, “I worked 100 hours a week and loved it.”
“I once pulled back to back all nighters to kill a really bad bill,” he wrote Thursday on social platform X. “I’d do it again. Grow up.”
Criticism got here from Democratic lawmakers additionally, with Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) asking why progressive staffers didn’t ask for a “0-hour workweek.”
“I wonder how blue-collar Americans would feel about white-collar workers demanding a 32-hour workweek,” he wrote on social media.
