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Back to To the Point

To the Point

Seattle passes new scheduling rules to protect hourly workers

The $15 hourly minimum wage got its start in Seattle. Now the city has taken a new step for part-time, low-wage workers who have to be on call whenever they're needed. In fast food and retail, algorithms determine when business will be hot or cold, and employers set work schedules without advance notice.

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By Warren Olney • Sep 21, 2016 • 33m Listen

The $15 hourly minimum wage got its start in Seattle. Now the city has taken a new step for part-time, low-wage workers who have to be on call whenever they're needed. In fast food and retail, algorithms determine when business will be hot or cold, and employers set work schedules without advance notice. What about the workers' needs: plans for childcare, time off for illness -- or additional part-time jobs that allow them to make ends meet. Seattle's new rules include two weeks' advance notice for work schedules and 10 hours' rest between shifts. Do employers accept them? Will they become a failed experiment or a model for the rest of the country?

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • KCRW placeholder

    Andrea Brody

    Senior Producer, KCRW's Life Examined and To the Point podcast

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    Evan George

    Director of Content, News

  • KCRW placeholder

    Sáša Woodruff

    Producer, 'To the Point'

  • KCRW placeholder

    Kshama Sawant

    Seattle City Council

  • KCRW placeholder

    Darrion Sjoquist

    former barista

  • KCRW placeholder

    Lizzy Simmons

    National Retail Federation

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