San Francisco could start requiring stores to give employees their schedules two weeks in advance. Under the law, employers would have to pay employees extra if they change those schedules. Additionally, employers wouldn’t be allowed to pay part-time and full-time employees different wages for the same job. Companies would also have to give part-time workers the same access to time off and promotions as full-time workers. The ordinance would apply to retail stores in the city with more than 20 workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 47 percent of part-time workers ages 26 to 32 receive a week or less of advance notice for their schedule.
The ordinance builds on an earlier proposal that requires retail, hotel, bank and restaurant chains to provide additional hours for part-time staff before hiring more employees. The vote to approve the ordinance will come on November 23.
Do you work part-time? How do you think this would affect your life? Business owners, is this reasonable and feasible? What are the barriers to providing schedules two weeks in advance?
Guests:
Julia Parish, Attorney at Legal Aid Society – Employment Law Center based in San Francisco; Parish has been a direct proponent of this proposal.
Gwyneth Borden, Executive Director, Golden Gate Restaurant Association