Early Release Programs, A 7-Day Work Week

Air Date:
Heard On Central Time

Veronica Rueckert and Rob Ferrett talk with a guest who says early prison release programs are bad for communities. Then, they speak with a state legislator about his new bill that would allow for a 7-day work week in Wisconsin.

Featured in this Show

  • Republican State Lawmakers Propose 7-Day Work Week In Retail, Manufacturing

    Two Republican state legislators have proposed a new bill that would allow a voluntary, seven-day work week in manufacturing and retail in Wisconsin.

    Under current law, employers in retail and manufacturing are required to give workers 24 consecutive hours off during each seven-day period.

    One of the sponsors, state Rep. Mark Born of Beaver Falls, said he sees the new bill as a “win-win for everyone,” saying that it would “give the employees a chance to earn some more.” The bill’s other sponsor is state Sen. Glenn Grothman of West Bend.

    The proposed legislation was created in cooperation with the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Association as part of an attempt “to bring state rules or laws in line with what other states are doing so that businesses can compete on the same playing field,” said Born.

    Those opposed to the bill have taken issue with the idea that the seven-day work week would be voluntary. They have suggested that coercion might be used to give workers more hours or that it would give younger employees an advantage over older workers who might have families.

    In response to the possibility of employers coercing workers, Born said, “Is there going to be a bad apple? I mean, I’m sure it’s possible.”

    In such scenarios, “there’s already ways you can file complaints (for labor violations),” said Born.

    Born said that it’s ideal that people take time to rest, but gave himself as an example of how the seven-day work week is already happening in Wisconsin.

    “There are times now with this job where I don’t take days off because there are things that need to get done,” he said.

    Ultimately, Born said he believes the legislation can bring both sides together.

    “I think people appreciate that it’s an opportunity for both sides (employers and employees) to work together,” he said.

  • Milwaukee County Sheriff Against Early Release Programs in Prisons

    The sheriff of Milwaukee County explains why he is against early release programs for prisoners.

  • Republican State Lawmakers Propose A 7-Day Work Week

    Wisconsin lawmakers Glenn Grothman of West Bend and Mark Born of Beaver Dam have co-authored a bill that would remove Wisconsin’s current provision that employers must give workers 24 consecutive hours off every seven days.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Veronica Rueckert Host
  • Amanda Magnus Producer
  • Galen Druke Producer
  • David. A. Clarke Jr. Guest
  • Mark Born Guest