BILL NUMBER: S5629
SPONSOR: RAMOS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the labor law, in relation to the number of hours which
constitute a work week
 
PURPOSE:
Provides that 32 hours shall constitute a legal week's work.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: The labor law is amended by adding a new section 160-a.
Section 2: This act shall take effect immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
A 32-hour (four-day) workweek is a triple-dividend reform with social,
economic and climate benefits. A recent World Health Organization and
International Labour Organization review found strong associations with
long working hours and higher rates of heart disease and strokes.
Conversely, a growing body of evidence finds that work reduction has
positive health impacts on individuals and is economically viable for
employers, even when not accompanied by reductions in pay. There is also
a growing body of literature showing associations between shorter hours
of work and lower carbon emissions.
Multiple trials conducted in developed countries including the US have
been a resounding success across all three metrics. Companies were
extremely satisfied with their performance, productivity, and overall
experience with most if not all companies wanting to continue with a
32-hour (four-day) workweek in some form. Revenue and hiring rose with
sick days and absenteeism down. The employee experience was similarly
successful with employees wanting to continue with a 32-hour (four-day)
workweek once the trial was complete. Metrics for employee mental
health, physical health, work/life balance, life satisfaction and time
satisfaction all improved.
Therefore New York state has the opportunity and obligation to invest in
the overall health and wellbeing of the workforce, to improve business
outcomes and enhance the lived environment of every New Yorker by chang-
ing what constitutes a legal week's work from 40 hours to 32 hours (4
days).
 
FISCAL IMPACT:
TBD
 
ON EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.