A Washington state lawmaker is proposing to shorten the standard work week from 40 hours to 32 hours for many workers across the state, including those in the private sector. Rep. Scott wants to redefine full-time work to 32 hours while maintaining pay and benefits, forcing employers to pay overtime if hours go beyond 32 hours. "As hard as we work, we are not necessarily more productive in the UK and South Africa — rate of productivity went up when 32-hour work week was implemented," Scott said. Another lawmaker also questioned why the state should be the one to mandate a 32-hour work week when different industries and private companies had unique challenges and operating procedures. That policy only applies to county workers and has exceptions for sectors like law enforcement and emergency services.