A four-day workweek pilot program to Maryland s finally over for this year. The House and the Senate bills have finally withdrawn the legislation. Amidst all the concerns, it is essential to institutionalize a 32-hour work week. The expenses of this five-year pilot program and the engrained attitudes regarding the traditional 40-hour work week appear to derail the legislation for the year. Del. Vaughn Stewart (D-Montgomery) also hoped for a state Department of Labor study. The lawmakers will require a session to get through a budget amendment.

Maryland News

Stewart’s statement for Maryland business

Stewart, the lead sponsor of the House version of the bill, said, “This is the first time for this bill, and sometimes if (a bill) is a little out there, a little strange, something (lawmakers) haven’t thought about before, it can seem a little alien, a little off-putting.” Then, Stewart had maintained a move to a shorter work week, which would probably be the future for Maryland businesses. He said, “I think if we can get this budget language, there has been a huge step taken this session.”

Stewart pulled the bill on Monday.

Stewart pulled the bill on Monday before a vote due to concerns that it may not pass as there were expenses under $1 million annually for establishing a five-year business tax credit program. Shelly Hettleman (D-Baltimore County) was finally withdrawn. Stewart even hoped to create a study by the state Department of Labor. Supporters must take a run at the proposal before the current term’s end once the survey is over! House Economic Matters Committee Chair C.T. Wilson (D-Charles) talked about shortening the workweek For 40 hours, raised some eyebrows among committee members. Wilson said, “I think a lot of people from both sides of the aisle are a little bit nervous about the messaging and what’s next; sometimes it’s not the bill itself, but what are ramifications and what the next step is going to be in business — is this just the first phase in normalizing a 32-hour workweek? I think a lot of people were a little concerned about that.” He even said, “The practicality of a 32-hour workweek is hard to get people — my generation and above — to discuss or think about, you know!” He added, “I know it sounds utopian, and to some people, it sounds crazy to say that companies that tried this didn’t have a profitability loss, but I think a lot of the experience of companies that have tried this so far flies in the face of that preconception.”
Resources:
https://wtop.com/maryland/2023/03/four-day-workweek-bill-withdrawn-as-costs-tradition-derail-proposal/