Progressive Congressional Staffers Withdraw Request for Reduced 32 Hour Work Week

AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File

A group representing “progressive” congressional staffers withdrew an open letter asking that work weeks be cut to 32 hours.

The Congressional Progressive Staff Association, which consists of roughly 1,500 members, released a statement on Friday stating they “hereby withdraws its recent letter to congressional leadership on a rotating 32-hour workweek.”

The group said their original letter failed to make clear that “progressive congressional staff are dedicated to serving the American people no matter how many hours it takes to get the job done” and “that there are well-known, longstanding workplace issues that deserve Congress’s immediate attention if it wishes to effectively serve the people.”

In their original letter, the CPSA claimed reduced work hours would make staffers more “effective and efficient.”

“Staffers who assist with constituent casework must provide support on life-changing matters in a thorough and timely way, and outreach to local officials, businesses, and the communities the Member represents cannot cease when they are in Washington,” the letter read.

The reduction in hours would not equate to a reduction in pay. According to the proposal for a six month pilot program, DC staffers would work 32 hours a week during district work periods and district staff would work 32 hours while Congress is in session.

The group now changed its tune with little explanation.

“There are myriad ways Congress can address these issues. Right now, a 32-hour workweek for staff will not be one of them,” they wrote. “We are ready to continue the urgent task of serving our bosses’ constituents and advancing the causes that put working-class people first.”