So, how is that future of work thing going?
Well, if you ask the 1 in 2 American workers that go to work knowing they are a $400 parking ticket away from poverty, you’ll probably hear that the future of work isn’t really working for most workers. Today, millions of workers find themselves in a tough spot, where the pursuit of new knowledge and skills are hindered by financial constraints and lack of recognition. The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, written well before any of our current technology could ever have been imagined, inadvertently denies access to learning opportunities for approximately 80 million workers. It is bad for workers. It is bad for business. It is bad for America. And, it is time for a change.
The FLSA was written at a time when work looked very different, yet even with its minor modifications over the years it is failing to keep up with the speed of work.
The Current Barrier
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, any training, upskilling, or educational programs provided by employers, even if voluntary, are counted as hours worked. This discourages employers from offering such opportunities altogether. The consequences of this archaic regulation are dire. Millions of workers, predominantly on the frontlines in low wage positions, are deprived of the opportunity to improve their skills, advance their careers, and enrich their lives. In 2022, 83% of all workforce training dollars were invested by companies in full-time employees that already had a secondary degree. This means the majority of workers are left without access to the same learning and development opportunities as the rest of our workers. And, it results in lower productivity, missed sales, higher turnover and disengaged workers.
The Call for Flexibility
The Flexibility for Workers' Education Act, introduced by Representative Ashley Hinson from Iowa, presents a vital solution to this problem. This legislation would enable employers to invest in the growth and development of their employees outside of working hours, without counting that time towards hours worked. By eliminating this counterproductive regulation, the act expands career advancement opportunities for millions of Americans by allowing workers to voluntarily engage with company supported education and development resources without imposing unnecessary risk on a business for offering the learning opportunities simply because the learning is accessed on a mobile device or outside of working hours. The passage of this bill would represent a critical turning point, providing a gateway to a future where workers are unburdened by unnecessary restrictions on their personal and professional growth.
Realizing Workers' Potential
When workers are unrestricted and empowered to pursue their full potential, remarkable transformations occur. Removing the cap on their potential allows them to acquire new skills, broaden their knowledge base, and adapt to the ever-evolving demands of the modern workforce. By passing the Flexibility for Workers' Education Act, Congress can lay the foundation for a future where workers are not limited by outdated legislation but are instead encouraged and supported to reach their highest aspirations. The potential impact of this legislation cannot be underestimated.
A Future Worth Working For
Creating a future worth working for demands action. It is incumbent upon Congress to recognize the urgent need for change and to pass the Flexibility for Workers' Education Act. This legislation has the power to reshape the lives and careers of millions, unlocking a world of opportunities that were previously out of reach. By signing the petition in support of this act, you join the movement for progress, ensuring that workers are given the chance to thrive and contribute to a future that benefits everyone.
The fight for the future extends beyond the mere concept of work; it encompasses the fundamental idea of a future worth working for.
The Flexibility for Workers' Education Act is a crucial step towards realizing this vision. I believe in the potential of our workforce and stand in support of the Flexibility for Workers' Education Act, a legislation that can transform the lives and careers of millions of Americans.
By rectifying the outdated regulations that impede workers' access to learning opportunities, we can empower the workforce to embrace their full potential. Now is the time to act. We call upon every individual, employer, and policymaker to rally behind this cause and take action to create a workplace where every worker can compete.
Together, let us pave the way for a future where every worker can thrive and contribute to a society that values their growth and development.
Now, back to work.
