WASHINGTON, D.C. – With at least 17 percent of the work force reporting having an unstable work schedule, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown today joined his colleagues to reintroduce legislation that would give workers a greater role in setting their hours and help bring more consistency and stability to workers’ schedules.

“Finding out about a shift just days in advance or constantly being on-call just isn’t good enough for working parents or Ohioans who work multiple jobs in order to make ends meet,” said Brown. “When workers have a voice in setting their hours, they are better equipped to work multiple jobs or plan for childcare. More stable hours can also help workers bring in a more predictable income which allows them to better budget and plan for their household.”

According to the Economic Policy Institute, at least 17 percent of the U.S. workforce has an unstable schedule. Of that 17 percent, ten percent has an irregular or on-call work schedule and an additional seven percent work split or rotating shifts. Twenty to 30 percent struggle with being required to work extra hours with insufficient notice. Irregular hours and shift work are most common among the lowest-income workers.

The Schedules That Work Act would:

  • Protect workers who ask for a change to their schedule: Employees working for companies with more than 15 workers would have a right to request changes to their schedule without fear of retaliation. If an employee requests a change due to a health condition, child or elder care, a second job, continued education or job training, the employer would be required to grant the request unless a legitimate business reason is given for denying the request.
  • Give an incentive for predictable and stable schedules: Employees in occupations with documented scheduling abuses – like food service, cleaning, and retail – would receive additional pay when they are put “on-call” without any guarantee that work will be available; report to work only to be sent home early; scheduled for a “split shift;” or receive changes to their schedule less than 24 hours in advance.

 

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