Senator Bernie Sanders is calling for tech companies to cut the workweek to 32 hours thanks to AI productivity gains.
In a recent chat with Joe Rogan, Sanders slammed the idea that tech benefits only CEOs. He said the time saved by AI should go back to workers—not to fatten shareholder profits or cut headcount.
Sanders wants workers to get more family time or personal life, not just more tasks piled up or layoffs. 
He also pointed to real-world examples. In the UK, 61 companies tested a four-day week in 2022 and saw revenue hold steady or rise slightly. Kickstarter has run one since 2021. Microsoft Japan’s 2019 four-day test showed a 40% productivity jump.
Sanders is pitching AI as a tool to shrink work hours, not just crank up output.
Bernie Sanders stated:
“Technology is gonna work to improve us, not just the people who own the technology and the CEOs of large corporations.”
“You are a worker, your productivity is increasing because we give you AI, right? Instead of throwing you out on the street, I’m gonna reduce your work week to 32 hours.”
“And by the way, not a radical idea. There are companies around the world that are doing it with some success.”
“Let’s use technology to benefit workers. That means give you more time with your family, with your friends, for education, whatever the hell you wanna do.”
