Walmart workers are enjoying the advantages of predictive scheduling thanks to their employer, but many more hourly employees may reap its benefits courtesy of the law. So far, legislation requiring that certain employers use predictive scheduling exists in one state, Oregon. San Francisco, Seattle, New York City and Emeryville, California, have adopted local laws, and more states and cities are considering similar measures.
The laws are designed to protect workers, largely in retail and food services, against unpredictable, last-minute scheduling changes that make it hard to take care of personal responsibilities, such as keeping medical appointments or getting a babysitter. They also can help workers budget because employees know how many hours they’ll be working each week.
