Fair Workweek laws have succeeded in making work schedules more predictable for service-sector employees without reducing wages or benefits, according to a new study. Published in Science Advances, the research examined regulations across five major U.S. jurisdictions.
The study, titled "Fair Workweek Laws in the U.S.: An Appraisal of Intended and Unintended Consequences," represents the most comprehensive evaluation of these policies to date. The laws apply in cities including Seattle, New York City, Philadelphia and Chicago, as well as the state of Oregon.
These regulations require large retail and food-service employers to provide at least two weeks' advance notice of schedules, compensate workers for last-minute changes and ban back-to-back closing and opening shifts. The research found no evidence that these mandates triggered wage cuts or benefit reductions.
For workers in low-wage service industries, unpredictable schedules have long been a source of financial instability and stress. The findings suggest that such labor protections can achieve their intended goals without imposing hidden costs on either employees or businesses.
The study's authors note that the results may not generalize to all jurisdictions or industries beyond retail and food service. Further research will be needed to assess long-term effects on business operations and hiring practices.