The Thirty-Hour Week (1936)

Report Outline

Labor’s Demand for a Thirty-Hour Week

Thirty-Hour Week Bills Pending in Congress

Shift in Position of the A. F. of L.

Hours of Work in Industry in 1935

Economic Effects of a Thirty-Hour Week

Special Focus Pressure for Legislation by the 74th Congress Establishment of a six-hour day and a five-day week throughout American industry is now the “paramount objective” of the American labor movement. With a national election to be held in November, and the A. F, of L. prepared to support those candidates who vote for the shorter work week and to oppose all candidates voting against it, the situation is more favorable to congressional approval of a thirty-hour week bill at this session than at any time in the past. Public support for the thirty-hour week is likely to diminish, however, as business recovery gains headway, so that unless favorable action is taken by the 74th Congress adoption of a mandatory six-hour day and five-day week is likely to be long delayed.

Source: library.cqpress.com