Gap bows to pressure to end on-call scheduling
ALBANY, N.Y. - Another major retailer is moving to ensure more regular schedule for employees.
New York attorney general Eric Schneiderman says Gap (GPS) is ending its policy of requiring workers to remain on-call for short-notice shifts after his office launched an inquiry.
Schneiderman in April requested information about scheduling practices from Gap and 12 other retailers, saying his office had received reports of more employers setting shifts the night before or even just a few hours in advance. The practice left workers with little time to arrange for child care or work other jobs.
"Workers deserve stable and reliable work schedules, and I commend Gap for taking an important step to make their employees' schedules fairer and more predictable," he said in a statement.
Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) said earlier this month that it will stop using on-call work for its stores in New York beginning in September and eventually discontinue the practice in all its locations.
A message left with Gap on Thursday was not immediately returned.
The widespread use of on-call and other "flexible" scheduling practices has drawn criticism from lawmakers and consumer advocates, who say hinders workers in planning their lives and is disruptive to family life.