Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders recently featured on the Joe Rogan podcast, promoting a shorter work week if artificial intelligence enhances worker productivity. In particular, he suggested a four-day work week. Sanders elaborated on this during the June 24 episode of Rogan’s podcast, asserting, “You are a worker, your productivity is rising because we provide you AI, correct? Instead of casting you out into the street, I’m going to cut your work week to 32 hours.” He remarked that this is not an extreme notion, as numerous companies globally have adopted it with success.

Sanders has persistently endorsed a four-day work week and underscored the United Auto Workers union’s attempts to incorporate it into recent contract discussions. Last year, he put forward the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act, stressing that a shorter work week ought not to lead to a wage reduction. “Let’s utilize technology to aid workers,” Sanders remarked, proposing that shortened work hours could provide additional time for personal pursuits. While corporate executives may oppose reducing work hours without slashing pay, AI could ultimately offer more leisure time for all.