DEMS Senator has called for a four-day, 32-hour working week in the US – explains how it could work

Senator Bernie Sanders argues that the continued rise of artificial intelligence presents a chance to rethink the structure of work in the United States. As AI transforms industries and boosts productivity, he believes the benefits should be shared with workers rather than used solely to cut labor costs.

During a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Sanders suggested that increased productivity from AI could justify shortening the traditional workweek. “You’re a worker, your productivity is increasing because we give you AI, right?” he said. “Instead of throwing you out on the street, I’m going to reduce your workweek to 32 hours.”

A 32-Hour Workweek: Sanders’ Vision for the Future

Senator Bernie Sanders is pushing forward with his “Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act,” legislation he first introduced last year that would require employers to pay overtime for any hours worked beyond 32 in a week, effectively shifting toward a four-day workweek. Sanders argues that advances in AI and automation have dramatically increased workplace efficiency, and he believes those gains should translate into shorter working hours rather than continued 40-hour demands. “Let’s use technology to benefit workers,” he said, emphasizing that reduced hours would give people more time for family, friends, education, or any pursuits they choose.

The proposal has sparked both enthusiasm and debate, gaining momentum among supporters of labor reform while raising concerns in industries heavily influenced by automation. Sanders’ plan includes a four-year phase-in period to give businesses time to adjust to the new standard. Though the concept of a 32-hour workweek remains controversial, it continues to draw national attention as AI reshapes the future of work.

The Dark Side of AI: A Threat to Humanity?

Beyond workplace concerns, Senator Bernie Sanders has repeatedly warned that the rapid acceleration of artificial intelligence poses serious global risks, particularly in warfare and wealth inequality. In an interview with NBC News, he cautioned that AI could soon enable the creation of “robotic soldiers,” fundamentally changing the stakes of international conflict. Sanders argued that political leaders currently must consider the potential loss of human life when deciding whether to go to war, but if battles were fought by autonomous machines instead, the moral barrier to initiating conflict could erode dramatically.

Sanders fears that a world where nations deploy AI-driven robots instead of human soldiers would reshape the ethics of war and make it far easier to engage in military aggression. If leaders only face the prospect of losing machines rather than people, he warned, the global calculus around war and peace could shift in dangerous ways. He has also emphasized that these technological advances could deepen existing inequalities, concentrating power and wealth among those who control advanced AI systems while leaving workers and democratic institutions vulnerable.

The AI-Driven Wealth Divide

Senator Bernie Sanders argues that although AI and automation create new possibilities, they also threaten to intensify existing wealth inequality. With tech leaders like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg investing heavily in AI, Sanders fears the technology will further consolidate economic power among a small group of billionaires. He notes that even before the full impact of AI is felt, the United States is already facing historic levels of wealth concentration, with the top 1% owning more wealth than the bottom 93%.

Sanders warns that this growing imbalance could have serious consequences for both the economy and the health of American democracy. He points out that “zillionaires,” as he describes them, are pouring enormous sums into AI and robotics, raising questions about who will ultimately benefit from these technological advances. If the gains flow overwhelmingly to the wealthiest individuals, he believes the nation could see deepening economic divides.

According to Sanders, continued consolidation of wealth among top tech investors would translate into outsized political influence, weakening democratic institutions and diminishing the standard of living for working people. Unless action is taken to address the imbalance, he argues, the rise of AI could leave ordinary Americans with less economic security and even less say in the direction of the country.

The Role of AI in Shaping Future Jobs

Sanders’ concerns extend beyond wealth concentration and into the future of work itself. He has repeatedly warned that AI and robotics could cause massive job displacement, citing comments from Elon Musk and other tech leaders who claim that advanced automation may soon make most jobs obsolete. “Musk recently said that ‘AI and robots will replace all jobs. Working will be optional.’ But what the hell does that mean if it’s going to replace all jobs?” Sanders asked, stressing that such a transformation would reshape the very foundation of the economy.

The senator argues that if AI truly eliminates a broad range of occupations, society must confront difficult questions about how people will support themselves and what role employment will play in everyday life. An AI-driven economy, he warns, could force the country to reconsider income distribution, social safety nets, and the meaning of work in a world where technology performs most labor.

Sanders also criticized the lack of meaningful public debate about these issues. He noted that Congress, the media, and the broader public have paid “far, far, far too little” attention to the long-term implications of AI and robotics. Without serious discussion and planning, he believes the country risks being unprepared for the sweeping changes that rapid automation may bring.