Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/790371
61 Q1 2017 / CINEMONTAGE LABOR MAT TERS announced in December that six major retailers have agreed to stop using on-call shift scheduling, following an inquiry by the multi-state coalition of AGs, according to a press release from the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). An estimated 50,000 workers nationwide will benefit from the agreements to end the burdensome scheduling practice, which requires employees to call their employers — typically an hour or two before a scheduled shift — to find out if they will be assigned to work that day. The six companies (Aeropostale, Carter's, DAVIDsTEA, Disney, PacSun and Zumiez) were among 15 large retailers who received a joint inquiry letter from the nine attorneys general in April 2016 seeking information and documents related to their use of on-call shifts. These six companies reported that they were using on-call shifts, but after discussions with the AGs' offices, all agreed to stop doing so, and none are currently using on-call shifts. In addition to ending on-call shifts, four of the companies — Carter's, Disney, DAVIDsTEA and Zumiez — all committed to providing employees with their work schedules at least one week in advance of the start of the workweek. Such advance notice allows employees to plan ahead to cover child care and other obligations. "On-call shifts are not a business necessity and should be a thing of the past," said Schneiderman. "People should not have to keep the day open, arrange for child care and give up other opportunities without being compensated for their time. I am pleased that these companies have stepped up to the plate and agreed to stop using this unfair method of scheduling." f An estimated 50,000 workers nationwide will benefit from the agreements to end the burdensome practice of on- call shift scheduling.