Oregon on way to become first state to guarantee predictable work schedules

SALEM -- Oregon took a step closer to becoming the first state in the nation to require more predictable work schedules for low-wage workers on Thursday, when the state House passed the plan on a bipartisan vote.

The proposal, which would add protections for some food service, retail and hospitality employees, now heads to Gov. Kate Brown for her signature. A spokesman for the governor said that, pending a routine legal review, the governor plans to sign the bill into law.

Supporters said the Senate Bill 828 will help on-call employees, whose shifts can be added, changed or taken away with little notice, by allowing them to plan for child care and classes. Many of these jobs offer low wages.

"I think there is wide agreement we want families to be able to provide for themselves," said Rep. Ann Lininger, D-Lake Oswego, who carried the bill on the House floor.

Read more: http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/06/oregon_on_way_to_become_first.html