Bill To Create Flexible Work Week Defeated

Sacramento, CA– A new bill aimed at creating jobs by Assemblymember Kristin Olsen was recently defeated on a party-line vote in the Assembly Labor and Employment committee.

AB 830 would have allowed non-exempt employees the flexibility to work four 10-hour days or the traditional five 8-hour work days. It would have also created an employee driven, voluntary process for flexible work schedules and would not have affected existing bargaining agreements or eliminate overtime opportunities.

“Choosing a flexible work schedule of 4, 10-hour work days would have given employees 50 additional non-working days per year and would save employers money so they can create new jobs and hire more people,” said Olsen. “I am very disappointed that my Democrat colleagues did not take the opportunity to pass this bill and create a win for employers and employees.”

California is one of only four states that does not conform to the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Of those four states, California’s overtime laws are the most restrictive.

AB 830 was supported by coalition of statewide organizations and small business owners including the California Small Business Association, the California Restaurant Association and the California Central Valley Economic Development Corporation.

Assemblymember Kristin Olsen represents the 25th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes Sonora and Angels Camp.

Written by tina.falco@mlode.com