If you work in retail, fast food or utility safety in New York City, the Fair Workweek Law is designed to protect your rights to predictable schedules and fair pay. The law is a big step towards fairer work conditions for you and your coworkers. Knowing your rights under it can make a real difference in your ability to balance your work commitments with personal responsibilities in your daily life.
Understanding the basics of the Fair Workweek Law
The Fair Workweek Law, introduced in 2017, applies to you if you work in New York City for a retail business with at least 20 employees or a fast-food chain with 30 or more locations across the country. It also applies to all utility safety employers.
As an employee, you should know that this law requires your employer to:
- Give you work schedules at least 14 days in advance
- Pay you extra for last-minute schedule changes
- Give you and your coworkers the chance to take on additional hours before hiring new employees
- Allow you 11 hours of rest between shifts or pay you more if you agree to less hours of rest
These provisions help you plan your life outside of work. A predictable schedule can significantly improve your ability to arrange childcare, attend school or manage personal time.
How this law affects your pay
The Fair Workweek Law can also increase your paycheck. Your employer must pay you extra if they change your schedule without proper notice.
If you’re a fast-food worker, the law requires your employer to pay you:
- $10 for adding hours or shifts with less than 14 days’ notice
- $20 for removing or reducing hours with less than 14 days’ notice
- $75 for changes made with less than 24 hours’ notice
These premiums discourage last-minute schedule changes and compensate you for any inconvenience.
If you’re a retail or utility safety worker, you also benefit. If your employer cancels or shortens your shift with less than 72 hours’ notice, they must pay you for at least four hours of work.
Knowing your rights
Awareness of these rights helps ensure fair treatment at work. If you believe your employer violated the Fair Workweek Law, consider filing a complaint with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection or consulting with an employment law attorney.
The law forbids your employer from retaliating against you for asserting your rights. The Fair Workweek Law works alongside other labor protections such as minimum wage laws and overtime rules, to ensure you’re treated fairly at work.
Your vigilance is essential. By exercising your rights and holding your employer accountable, you help improve working conditions for all New Yorkers. Remember, a fair workweek is your right, not a privilege.