VICTORY FOR NYC RETAIL WORKERS
New York City recently became the largest U.S. city to require fast food restaurants to
schedule workers at least two weeks in advance or pay them extra for changes.
The law came as workers in New York organized to pressure lawmakers to help stop
scheduling abuses. According to activists, retail and fast food workers are expected to be
on call and are often subject to last minute schedule changes they are forced to accept or
face consequences.
The new law, which takes effect later this year, was strongly opposed by the restaurant
industry. In addition to the two-week scheduling requirement, the new law also requires
employers to provide 11-hour breaks between shifts, offer part-time staff additional
work before hiring new employees, and pay retail workers to be "on call."
In Oregon, a bill that would set regular scheduling for workers at large food service,
hospitality and retail companies is awaiting the governor's signature. Similar bills are
pending in five other states.
The New York City scheduling law was passed with strong support from unions,
including Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, even though very
few fast food workers are unionized.