LANSING, Mich., Jan. 19, 2023 — State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) re-introduced her Temporary Workers Bill of Rights and Fair Scheduling Act on Wednesday. The goal of these bills is to reduce strain on Michigan families by equipping workers with the tools they need to support their families and improve their financial security.
“Job uncertainty can be extremely disruptive, especially if someone has to find child care at the last minute or is working several jobs to make ends meet,” Hope said. “It’s past time we get rid of these unfair scheduling practices and provide some stability for workers in our state. This legislation would help provide the relief families need to build the lives they deserve.”
The Fair Scheduling Act (HB 4035) would create employee-scheduling standards for certain employers. This requires that employers provide a written work schedule 14 days before the first day of the next work schedule and that employees receive an estimate of their average earnings. Currently, Oregon is the only state with this type of predictive scheduling law, which was implemented in 2017. Chicago, Philadelphia, Seattle, New York and several cities in California have also implemented predictive scheduling laws.
The Temporary Workers Bill of Rights (HB 4034) requires that temporary workers receive an opportunity for a permanent position if one becomes available and prohibits temporary labor service agencies from sending temporary employees to work where there is an ongoing strike. This bill also includes employee notice and record-keeping provisions.
Hope initially introduced these bills in 2019 as part of the Working Hard for Working Families Package. They were reintroduced in 2021 when the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for better conditions for working people across Michigan.