Support Legislation to Establish a 32-Hour Standard Work Week in Michigan

I am writing to urge you to introduce or support legislation that would reduce Michigan's standard work week from 40 hours to 32 hours, with overtime pay required for hours worked beyond 32 in a seven-day period. Washington State Representative Shaun Scott and other lawmakers are currently advancing similar legislation, and Michigan should follow this lead to improve the lives of working families across our state. Americans work substantially more hours than workers in other developed nations without corresponding gains in productivity. We work 125 more hours yearly than Canadians, 204 more hours than the French, 279 more hours than workers in the United Kingdom, and 470 more hours annually than Germans. Despite these longer hours, American workers are not more productive than their international counterparts. This data demonstrates that our current 40-hour standard is outdated and ineffective. A 32-hour work week would provide Michigan families with better work-life balance while maintaining economic productivity. Workers would have more time for family responsibilities, education, health care, and community engagement. This policy change would also create job opportunities as employers adjust staffing to meet operational needs, potentially reducing unemployment across the state. I also encourage you to consider updating paid sick leave policies in conjunction with this change, following Washington's model of providing one hour of sick leave for every 32 hours worked. This adjustment would ensure workers maintain adequate sick leave benefits under the new standard. Michigan workers deserve the same quality of life enjoyed by workers in other developed nations. I respectfully request that you champion legislation to establish a 32-hour standard work week in Michigan. This reform would demonstrate your commitment to working families and position Michigan as a leader in progressive labor policy. I look forward to your response on this critical issue.