GOP Bill Would Allow Flexible Work Schedules

Enlarge image

A California lawmaker is reviving a proposal that’s stalled in previous years that would allow employees to work flexible schedules – such as four 10-hour days each week.

Republican State Senator Tom Berryhill says his bill would let individual workers ask their companies for more flexibility.

“If the employees went to the owner and wanted to make it a little bit different on their work hours for their families, then it’d be okay.  And I don’t think it’s government’s place to get in the way of employees spending more time with their families,” says Berryhill. 

Currently, an employee’s ability to work a flexible schedule is left up to the collective bargaining process.  Some companies do allow flexible workweeks, but backers of changing the system have said it’s too cumbersome.

California unions have opposed similar measures in the past.  They’ve argued that the current process already works.  They’ve also said that changing it could allow employers to play favorites by agreeing to let some employees work their preferred schedules – but not others.