WASHINGTON — The association representing progressive congressional staffers withdrew its demand for a 32-hour workweek Friday following backlash from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers.

The Congressional Progressive Staff Association (CPSA) issued a press release explaining its initial letter, penned Thursday, “failed to make two things clear.”

“First, that progressive congressional staff are dedicated to serving the American people no matter how many hours it takes to get the job done,” the press release read. “Second, that there are well-known, longstanding workplace issues that deserve Congress’s immediate attention if it wishes to effectively serve the people.”

CPSA noted its members are prepared to continue serving the constituents in their “bosses’ districts” and to advance causes which “put working-class people first.”

The association had written in its Thursday letter providing staffers with a 32-hour workweek on a rotating basis would improve employee satisfaction and retention, as well as “model a more sustainable approach to work on a national level.” Such a structure would have also boosted productivity and improved staffers’ quality of life, according to CPSA.

Members of Congress quickly criticized the request. Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., wrote via X he wondered how “blue-collar Americans would feel about white-collar workers demanding a 32-hour workweek.”

“Why not be bold and ask for a 0-hour workweek?” the congressman asked.

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, advised the staffers to “grow up” in an X post of his own.

“No. I was a staffer. I worked 100 hours a week and loved it,” he wrote. “I once pulled back to back all nighters to kill a really bad bill. I’d do it again.”

The initial letter was addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.