Bernie Sanders 32-Hour Work Week Plan
Sen. Bernie Sanders recently introduced a bill this month that aims to shorten the traditional 40-hour work week to 32 hours, per PBS.
Source: Wikimedia
Essentially, Sanders’ bill would give Americans who work traditional eight-hour work days, Monday to Friday, an extra day off without reducing their pay or benefits.
Advancements in Technology Permit More Time Off
According to Sanders’ bill, advancements in AI, robotics, and automation would permit companies to give employees more time off without cutting their salaries.
Source: Freepik
Studies show that a 32-hour workweek could significantly increase productivity and employee satisfaction. Yet, not everyone agrees with Sanders’ proposed bill.
Home Depot Co-founder Slams Bill
Ken Langone, the co-founder of Home Depot, one of America’s largest home improvement retail chains, slammed Bernie Sanders’ new bill during an appearance on Fox News.
Source: NYU Stern/YouTube
Langone appeared outraged by Sanders’ plan, calling it hypocrisy before saying that the lifelong Democrat is pursuing people who have made more money than others.
Home Depot Couldn’t Be Started Today
According to Langone, Sanders’ proposed bill is precisely why it would be impossible for an American to start a business like Home Depot today.
Source: Wikimedia
“We have 3,000 kids that started out pushing carts in the lot — today, they’re multimillionaires. They’re the guys that Bernie Sanders wants to go after,” he said.
Why Sanders’ Bill Won’t Work
During the interview, Langone explained several reasons why he doesn’t believe Sanders’ bill will work.
Source: Wikimedia
“A 32-hour workweek raises labor costs directly 20%. Why? Because the eight hours they’re not working, you’ve got to hire somebody else. You’re not going to squeeze 40 hours into 32 hours. That’s slave labor if you do that,” said Langone.
The Consumer Will Suffer the Most
Langone went on to argue that Sanders’ bill would only work by hiking the price of items, which could make up for the lost labor.
Source: Freepik
“Who always pays for it at the end? The consumer,” he said.
Langone Calls Sanders a Hypocrite
As the interview with Fox News continued, Langone argued that many of Sanders’ attacks against the rich were hypocritical as the Vermont native is a multimillionaire himself.
Source: Wikimedia
Langone added that the far-left policies, such as those proposed by Sanders, would destroy any chance of future Americans starting a business like Home Depot.
Sanders’ Proposed Bill Will Have Detrimental Effects on the Economy
“Food costs are up 15% in the last two years. Who’s getting hit? The person making $75,000 a year or less,” he said.
Source: Freepik
“These are the people that get punished. Inflation is the most regressive tax of all, and people don’t seem to understand this 32-hour workweek — the costs have to be passed on, or the businesses that absorb those costs will no longer be attractive for investment because they won’t be.”
No Problem Paying More Taxes
Speaking on plans to tax the rich, Langone says he would have no problem contributing more so long as it is spent responsibly.
Source: Freepik
“If you told me that they were going to raise my taxes, and then we’re going to take the proceeds of that tax increase and pay down the national debt — give it to me, baby. I’ll take that every time,” he said.
Tax Money Gets Wasted, According to Home Depot Founder
The Home Depot founder went on to say that a vast portion of America’s tax dollars are wasted.
Source: Freepik
“My problem is what they do with the tax money they get. Pardon me — they piss it away,” said Langone.
Sanders’ Bill Might Not Get Far
As it stands, Langone might not have to worry too much as Sanders’ bill has already received considerable backlash from Republicans and even some Democrats.
Source: Wikipedia
Many politicians have suggested it is unlikely the bill will gain any real traction in the Senate.