Secure Scheduling is Headed to a Full Seattle City Council Vote

Secure Scheduling had its most critical victory yet yesterday, and an end to unpredictable, unstable scheduling practices could come to an end next Monday!

the 9/13 Committee meeting on secure scheduling

Yesterday Working Washington and our allies have gotten secure scheduling legislation moved out of committee to a final, full vote of the Seattle City Council. And guess what?  It was a unanimous decision. This is no longer a long shot or wishful thinking; a vote for real, substantive change for thousands of workers is happening in less than week.  Here’s four things you should know:

1. Workers got this done: Through hundreds of emails, letters, phone calls, and public comments to the city council, we were able to show the city council this is more than an idea...it’s a necessity. This is people power, plain and simple.

2. This is a huge deal: Not since the $15 minimum wage increase has such important legislation for workers been considered in Seattle.

3. Can’t stop, won’t stop: The Seattle secure scheduling legislation being proposed is so strong that it could serve as not just a model for the rest of the state, but the nation

4. You can still help: Don’t miss out on the action thinking you woulda, coulda, shoulda helped. Hop on the bandwagon! Donate here (I mean, come on, you knew we’d ask) or take a minute to sign onto our letter to the council before the vote.

This coming Monday, the 19th at 2 pm, a lot of lives could change for the better in Seattle with this vote. Thanks for making that go from a possibility to an inevitably.

It's On! Secure Scheduling Guidelines Release Points To Coming Victory

Workers in the city of Seattle are on the cusp of bringing a groundbreaking set of laws into reality.

Yesterday Mayor Murray, Councilmember Herbold and Councilmember Gonzalez proposed secure scheduling guidelines which would provide thousands of Seattle workers with balanced and flexible work schedules.  With a city council meeting scheduled that same morning, Working Washington members knew it was important to rally around this necessary step and give their support.  Dozens of Working Washington members and supporters showed for a press conference at the doors of city hall, applauding the decision of the council and stating unequivocally that workers in Seattle would keep pushing the city in the right direction until their needs for flexible and secure schedules were met.  We didn't stop there though; we went right into the city council meeting and made sure our voices were heard during public commentary to the tune of over a dozen speakers in favor of secure scheduling.

This didn't happen by accident; baristas and fast food workers have been rallying in the streets, speaking at the secure scheduling hearings, and sharing stories of how unpredictable and unstable schedules have affected them led to a proposal which addresses:

• Two weeks advance notice of schedules so we can plan our lives
• Predictability pay so that we are compensated for changes that affect our lives on short notice
• Shift swapping so we can keep the flexibility of trading shifts with our co-workers
• Right to rest so that we aren’t forced to clopen and can get a healthy amount of sleep and tend to our lives in-between shifts, without affecting split shifts or doubles
• Access to hours for employees that want more shifts, before additional part-timers are brought on

But we're not done, and we need to make sure these guidelines become law.  In the past day alone, over 100 Seattle residents have added their name to our petition calling on City Council to make these guidelines into law.

Click to add your name and join them.

And then please join us next Tuesday, August 16th, for an evening session of major public hearing on secure scheduling at City Hall from 5-7 PM.

Why Seattle supports secure scheduling

Check out what people are saying to Seattle City Council about why they support secure scheduling — to make sure workers have the balance & flexibility it takes to care for your family, contribute to your community, get a second job, and just live your life. 

Then click the button below to add your voice in support of the simple principle that our time counts!

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“If I had a more secure schedule my life would be different because I can plan life on my days I don't work.” — Paul, hospitality worker, downtown Seattle

“Many of my students do not have secure schedules, and can't attend class regularly so that they can improve their skills. Businesses that don't give advance notice of hours do so in part because they don't want their employees to be able to work at second jobs; yet the job the person is doing doesn't pay enough to survive on. It's a way of perpetuating servitude and debt to the system.” — Lisa, ABE instructor, South Seattle

“Everyone deserves to work in conditions that provide security in all forms.” — Kim, South Park

“I’m lucky to have an understanding boss and a flexible schedule, but many workers do not have the privileges I do. Spending time with family, going to school, and taking care of yourself is important for our physical, social, and psychological health. Secure flexible schedule make for healthier and more productive workers.” — Alik, Seattle

“My experience with childcare arrangements sometimes dictating my hours can be difficult enough--I can't imagine being a good employee or good parent if both my work schedule and childcare arrangements were irregular.” — Trista, downtown Seattle

“Everyone deserves to know what their schedule will be days/weeks in advance.” — Robyn, Capitol Hill

“My daughter works in fast food. Her first job did not have secure scheduling and it was nearly impossible to schedule a doctor's appointment. Her current fast food job does have secure scheduling. It can be done.” — Jane, Ravenna

”School! More volunteering! I would be able to plan for doctor's appointments, family and friends, and feel like I've had time to separate work from home for a healthy balance--which makes me a healthier, better worker. I also want to let you know that "Retail" employees shouldn't be expected to accept thoughtless, crappy schedules just because it's "retail". We have lives--school, families, friends, etc--and that shouldn't be expected to take backseat to sloppy scheduling just because retail employees are seen as disposable/less.” — Anonymous barista, Seattle

“We are people, we need reliable schedules, AND hours.  Having 6 hours one week, 20 the next, this isn't okay.” — Elizabeth, Seattle

“How can anybody plan a budget, be able to pay rent, fulfill financial and/or family obligations when they do not know how many hours they will work in a month? Not only that, this "Flexible scheduling" demands that the worker be able to go to work on a minute's notice, which makes it impossible to schedule a second or third job. They are expected to be able to work at the employer's convenience, but are paid nothing for being available. Unfair. One sided. Nonsensical.” — Michael, Wedgwood

“If I had a more secure schedule my life would be different because I could make social events, I would have a regular sleep schedule, I would take vacations, my housing would improve.” — Angeline, Northgate

“We're talking basic human dignity here.” — Dan, Bitter Lake

“My life would be different because I would be able to commit my time outside of the 40 hour work week to the hobbies and political activity of my choosing instead of being forced to work due to low wages and an unpredictable schedule.” — Jeremy, Seattle

“Stability of work decreases stress and increases mental and physical health for workers.” — Alice, Ballard

“ If I had a more secure schedule my life would be different because I could actually afford better housing and work towards a more stable job. I could spend time with the people I care about and even visit family far away.” — Tess, Lake City

“ In this age of advanced computer algorithms, scheduling employees ahead of time is extremely predictable, in most cases.” — David, Wallingford

“If I had a more secure schedule my life would be different because I could find a 2nd job.” — Joe, Southwest Seattle

“Shift employees asking for their schedule two weeks in advance is such a small thing to ask! Businesses plan their inventory and other processes much further in advance, they have the ability to plan their employee schedules too. Many part-time employees also need to have multiple jobs to survive, and last-minute scheduling is especially difficult for people who are already dealing with a lot of stress. It's humane to give them information that lets them plan two weeks ahead. “ — Sarra, Capitol Hill

“If I had a more secure schedule my life would be different because I'd be able to pay my bills or go back to school.” — Tim, West Seattle

“The present situation is deeply abusive and unlivable for workers.” — Thomas, downtown Seattle

“Insecure scheduling is a worldwide problem.  It leaves persons whose lives have more things in them than just working unable to take care of or plan for child care, doctors appointments, meals, sleep, or, heaven forfend plan ahead to do something with children/family/friends.  Insecure scheduling is a life destroyer.” — Thalia, Queen Anne

“If I had a more secure schedule my life would be different because I would be able to pay my bills.” — Bridgid, South Seattle

“I have had jobs where "open availability" was the norm; my whole life revolved around being available to work, even when my employer was not focused on my employment. Now that I have a stable schedule, I have time to enjoy my time, to improve my education, and my standard of living. I am a better employee, and a more productive member of my community. I do not feel like a slave to my employer.” — Willem, U District

“This is a simple, straightforward matter that should not take up the time of elected representatives.  It's simple! People have a right to plan their time at work and to make the usual arrangements around children and family that simple, practical, sense dictates.” — Ted, Seattle

“The variable schedule means I don't have even a minimum income.  I am scheduled 12 - 40 hours per week at the convenience of the manager's whims.  I can't plan, and often can't make rent. I work hard and am a good employee and would like a more dependable income. “ — Mary-Anne, Seattle

“If I had a more secure schedule my life would be different because I could plan to move my life forward in a responsible long-term manner.” — Felix, Seattle

“I am a restaurant worker, and if I had to describe my work schedule in one word or phrase, I'd say it's Appalling . If I had a more secure schedule my life would be different because You'd get respectful notice between shifts.” — Sean, Seattle

“I want the City Council to pass secure scheduling because Secure schedules are good  for my students. Children whose parents work unpredictable schedules” — Arynn, Lake City

“If I had a more secure schedule my life would be different because I'd go hiking and start a garden!” — Dylan, U District

“Workers need to be treated like they are important and not disposable.” — Julia, Seattle food service worker

“If I had a more secure schedule my life would be different because I'd have real shot at economic empowerment as a brown single mom.” — Theresa, Seattle

“You live our life schedule for 6 months, then tell us it doesn't matter.” — Danny, Seattle

“This kind of scheduling doesn't allow for any life outside of work  or for making sure the kids are in a stable situation in terms of care.” — Betty, Ballard

“If I had a more secure schedule my life would be different because I wanna have time with my family.” — Marcky, Seattle barista

“I am a barista for Starbucks , and if I had to describe my work schedule in one word or phrase, I'd say it's Always up in the air. If I had a more secure schedule my life would be different because I would be able to plan more time with my family, or volunteer at the local schools.” — Ashley, West Seattle

“This is important so that workers can have stable lives, arrange for second part-time jobs (if wanted), and/or taken college classes” — Carol, Greenlake

“Its dangerous to work with hot coffee on 5-6 hours of sleep, so safety is also an issue. People are happier and will put back into the economy if they are rested, can predict their schedules, and get a regular amount of hours consistently.” — Stacey, West Seattle

“As a manager I dI'd my best to provide stability to my employees. But because of labor cuts and pressure from above I was never able to hire enough people to cover if someone was sick. So I was always calling people on their day off.” — Christopher, Magnolia

“People of Faith care about this as a justice issue.” — Richard, Seattle

“A life cannot be built on the demands that so many companies currently make on their workers; having to be available 24/7 at the whims of somebody else (or a computer program designed to "maximize efficiency")? It's cruel and prevents stability” — Michelle, Columbia City

“Don't give in to big business scare tactics. This is a win for workers & the city that will make Seattle a better place to live and work, and it demonstrates our commitment to being on the forefront of progressive workers' rights policies.” — Anna, Roosevelt

“ Secure scheduling is important.  Childcare and other things can't be arranged easily.  Companies should never have been allowed to get away with this.” — Robin, Northgate

“I have a Young family/ wife. I see my daughter once a week if she is awake.” — Eric, West Seattle food service worker

“If I had to describe my work schedule in one word or phrase, I'd say it's not enough hours. If I had a more secure schedule my life would be different because I could volunteer.” — Terrence, Lake City

“This is not asking much of employers, but can really make a difference in the lives of workers juggling kids, parents, home, and other commitments.” — Peter, Madison Valley

“If I had a more secure schedule my life would be different because I could spend more time with family .” — Michelle, West Seattle

“If I had to describe my work schedule in one word or phrase, I'd say it's random. If I had a more secure schedule my life would be different because make any kind of plans.  literally any kind of plans.” — Kiko, Capitol Hill

“We need to show young workers that they are a valuable part of the workforce. It will help their self esteem and allow them to work toward their dreams.” — Mary Ann, Lake City

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