No wonder Congress is known for its productivity.
Liberal staffers are demanding Congress establish a rotating 32-hour workweek that goes into effect when lawmakers work from their districts, drawing widespread mockery from critics.
The Congressional Progressive Staff Association contended that staffers are forced to “work long hours at a level of rigor that regularly leads to burnout” when Congress is in session and suggested that a rotating system could ease that burden.
“Given the cyclical nature of the schedule, we propose implementing a 32-hour workweek for DC-based staff during district work periods and a 32-hour workweek for district-based staff while in-session,” the association, which has some 1,500 members, wrote in a letter to all members of the 119th Congress.
“If implemented, offices are not likely to see a drop in overall productivity,” they added. “If members wish to keep their offices open five days per week, they can stagger which days employees have off so that staff are available every day.”
Lawmakers in Congress are typically the ones who set their own policies for staff.
“The intensive nature of these roles often causes staffers to seek new positions earlier than they would in a more predictable and sustainable work environment. This is a poor outcome for both the office and the staffer,” the group added.
The letter was also directed specifically at Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
The association had been formed in 2021 and previously pushed for a $45,000 base salary for staffers and the right to unionize.
But the missive for a 32-hour workweek, which was approved by the association’s membership,
It also went too far for Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) who called it a “terrible idea.”
“But do understand most of my staff hasn’t seen a 32-hour work week in months and months and months, because they come in and work for the American people, hour after hour after hour,” she told reporters, per Politico.
“Why not be bold and ask for a 0-hour workweek? I wonder how blue-collar Americans would feel about white-collar workers demanding a 32-hour workweek,” Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) argued in an X post.
“This is so tone deaf. And quite frankly, insulting to real people and constituents they represent. In politics and government you work hard for the greater good,” Dem pollster John Anzalone said.
“We all make our choices, but if you want to only work 32 hours a week you need to be somewhere else.”
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) suggested that entrepreneur Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency should have a look at progressive staffers.
“Progressives should opt in. Easy place to cut 20%+ @elonmusk,” he posted on X.
“I just find it extremely offensive. This work is a privilege and an honor. The idea of clocking out after *32* hours because the work day is done is such an insult to the people who do this and the people we are supposed to serve,” consultant Caitlin Legacki wrote on X.
“To state the obvious: if you want to work only 32 hours a week, Congress is not the place for you to get a paycheck,” conservative strategist Matt Wolking remarked on X.
“Progressive staffers won’t be needed more than 32 hours a week on the Hill this Congress – our Trifecta will be busy at work for the American people!” Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) chided.
“A working-class revolution will require you to work more than 32 hours a week, buttercup,” user Nicky Frank quipped.
“The 20-somethings who answer the phones on Capitol Hill are having a tough time with their work-life balance,” Newsmax host Todd Starnes said. “The demands of the Gen-Z staffers have generated bipartisan mockery on Capitol Hill.”
Some progressive lawmakers such as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) have previously proposed legislation to create a national 32-hour workweek.
That endeavor has failed to gain traction thus far.
