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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 8, 2023 03:59 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Christopher M. Rabb |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Evaluating the efficacy of a flexible workweek for state workers |
| Approximately 100 years ago, union members and other labor activists shed blood, sweat, and tears to fight for a 5-day, 40-hour workweek in the United States. Since then, the labor market and our working lives have changed dramatically. Technological advances have rapidly increased productivity, and far more of us now work in offices than on farms. Across the globe, companies and governments have started to run pilot programs testing a shorter work week with promising results. Beyond improved productivity, employed individuals reported better work-life balance and morale, took fewer sick days, and had lower childcare expenses. I will soon be reintroducing an expanded resolution (formerly HR 214), directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) to evaluate the efficacy of a flexible work week for state employees and consideration of telework and a 4-day work week. This study would comprehensively examine several aspects of this change, including policies to incentivize all Pennsylvania employers. LBFC would also be tasked with making recommendations for the launch of a pilot project that would invite private state contractors along with executive agencies to participate in this future of work study. As state lawmakers, we owe it to Pennsylvania taxpayers to explore cost-saving measures that have the potential to enhance state government efficiency, reduce the commonwealth’s carbon footprint, improve the working conditions of state employees. This proposed comprehensive study should be the first of several steps toward modernizing government through innovation for the benefit of millions of Pennsylvanians who rely on state government services. Please join me in this critical effort to examine the future of work in and for the benefit of all Pennsylvanians. |
Introduced as HR122