Sen. Skindell Introduces Retail, Restaurant Employee Rights Act

From the Office of the Senator: Today, State Senator Michael Skindell (D-Lakewood) introduced Senate Bill 101 to provide struggling employees with predictive scheduling and fair treatment in the workplace. Ohioans are known for their hard work ethic and dedication to their jobs. The Retail and Employee Rights Act is necessary to pay Ohio workers the same respect that they put into building a stronger and greater Ohio.

In today's post-recession economy, many large retailers are employing part-time workers at relatively low wages, forcing many employees to work multiple jobs. At the same time, retail employers are utilizing "just in-time" scheduling practices and changing schedules the "day of" an employee's work shift. These practices make it difficult for the employees to hold that crucial second job. Employees can only work for multiple employers if they have predictability in scheduling and are treated fairly. The bill also covers workers in fast-food restaurant franchises.

"Predictive scheduling protects our most vulnerable workers, those who need to rely on more than one job – either part-time or full-time – to make ends meet,” said Deb Kline, Director at Cleveland Jobs With Justice. “It is impossible for a low wage earner to seek more than one place of employment unless they know the hours their employers are going to require them to work. Erratic scheduling also negatively impacts workers in need of child care or those who have become caretakers of aging or disabled family members. Cleveland Jobs with Justice hopes that the Ohio Legislature will take action now to protect our workers by passing predictive scheduling."

Senate Bill 101 outlines provisions employers must follow in order to make schedules predictable for their employees. Employers will be required to post their employees’ schedules publically at least 14 days in advance. If employers cancel a worker’s shift close to it taking place, that employee will be paid some compensation for setting aside their time for work. In addition, the legislation outlines pay for on-call shifts. The legislation also includes provisions requiring part-time and full-time employees to be treated more equally regarding hourly wages, access to time off, and eligibility for promotions.

“The proposed legislation would provide hours and retention protections for fair and predictable scheduling and treatment of part-time employees of some chain stores and fast food restaurants. It is imperative that we work toward increasing economic security and providing strong worker protections at the state level,” said Senator Skindell.
Contact: Tony DiMenna (614) 466-5123

Photo courtesy of the Office of the Senator