Two years ago, employers and employees together convinced IWC to adopt the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, instituting the 40-hour workweek. Interestingly, the impetus for change was the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Once repairs had been made, the governor rescinded his executive order. Since the change, the 40-hour workweek has been a resounding success for both employers and employees. Employees have the flexibility to take a few hours off one day to attend a child's school function, a doctor's appointment or whatever, and make it up later in the week without losing pay or using vacation time or sick time.
Employers are satisfied because the work is being done and their employees are happy.
AB 60 jeopardizes that flexibility. In many cases, employers will be hard pressed to offer flexibility because it will mean paying overtime, and employers simply can't afford to pay overtime for make-up time. Any smart businessperson tries to ensure that work is done during normal business hours and overtime is reserved for unforeseen circumstances. AB 60 limits alternative workweek schedules to a maximum of 10 hours per day before overtime takes effect. College students or those who work only a few days a week prefer to work longer hours so they can make more money.