‘On Call’ Hours Possibly Done for NYC Retail Workers

Businesses in New York City may soon be fined if they force employees to work “on call” shifts that aren’t confirmed until the last minute. Supporters of the a new bill brought before City Council on Tuesday say it would give retail and fast-food workers more control over their work schedules. Under the bill, employers would be prohibited from requiring a worker to come into work with fewer than 72 hours notice without written permission from the employee. It would also forbid employers from canceling scheduled work hours within 72 hours of the start of that job.

Total Retail’s Take: These measures have been met with resistance from employer groups, including retail organizations, because the mandates would drive up costs and make workplaces less efficient. Business officials have said that employees, not employers, initiate most scheduling changes. We will have to wait and see how lawmakers feel about the legislation.