Olsen Introduces Legislation to Improve Jobs Climate

OLSEN INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE JOBS CLIMATE

AND GIVE EMPLOYEES MORE FLEXIBILITY IN THE WORKPLACE  

SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymember Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, introduced Assembly Bill 830 to allow non-exempt employees the flexibility to work four 10-hour days or the traditional five 8-hour work days.   

“By updating our antiquated labor laws we can improve our jobs climate and give employees the flexibility they need in their personal and professional lives,” said Olsen.

 AB 830 creates an employee driven, voluntary process for flexible work schedules. AB 830 will not affect existing bargaining agreements or eliminate overtime opportunities, and benefits already in existence will be maintained. Flexible work schedules will also have the added benefit of decreasing commute time, easing traffic congestion, reducing pollution and reducing child care costs.

 “We are pleased Assemblymember Olsen is introducing this important jobs measure,” said Joy Madison, president and CEO of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. “Giving employees the flexibility they need, and employers the ability to improve workplace productivity and retention is a win-win.”

 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. There has never been a greater need for a flexible work schedule than now. AB 830 gives working families, caregivers, students and others with scheduling conflicts the availability to choose an alternative work schedule. Choosing a flexible work schedule of four 10-hour days could give employees 50 additional non-working days per year.