Over the last few months, we've been talking to workers all across Seattle about what secure scheduling has meant for them — their time, their families, their health, their lives. Here's what a few of them had to say...
“Work is a big part of my time, but a small part of my life. Secure scheduling makes it easier to do everything outside of work, like spend time with my family, which is massive, or go on day trips or long hikes. I know exactly when I’m working, and I know those hours won’t change on me.”
— ADRIANA, VISUAL MERCHANDISER AT AN OUTDOOR RETAILER IN WESTLAKE
“We always get our schedule two to three weeks ahead of time. That works out well for me — I can schedule around my classes and study times, and spend time mentoring youth on the side too. My parents are elderly, so being able to know that I can spend time taking care of them if I need to is nice too. Getting notice of my schedule means I know where it’s at and where I can put in free time to study, mentor, spend time with family, or just take some me time.”
— SEAN, BARISTA AT STARBUCKS
“Before secure scheduling went into effect, I had a hard time trying to change an irregular work schedule when my non-work schedule changed. Now, I’m less worried about my schedule — there’s more time for me to have, and schedule, a non-work life. I very much like getting two weeks’ notice of my schedule. Why wouldn’t it be easier on both management and employees to have a regular schedule?”
— CHRIS, CLERK AT A GROCERY STORE
“I work 20 hours per week at Starbucks, and I’m also in school full-time at Arizona State University. I love my job — I feel like they reward loyalty and achievement, and the benefits are pretty awesome. Secure scheduling has been great for me. My manager is very accommodating in regards to school and work. Scheduling is a lot more steady and tasking is a lot more focused.”
— LEVI, BARISTA AT STARBUCKS
“Since I started at REI, I have had only positive experiences in regards to secure scheduling. They schedule us 16 days, or three weekends, prior to the date we work. It’s my part-time weekend job, and I work full-time as a program coordinator at UW. Having a pretty consistent schedule on the weekends at REI is helping me save money.”
— DANIEL, SALESPERSON AT REI
“After the law went into effect in July, our managers sat down with each of us one on one and created a schedule based on our personal schedules outside of work. For me and a couple other coworkers, it meant moving up to full-time hours. This made a huge difference for me.”
— EMILY, FORMER SALESPERSON AT A LARGE UPSCALE CLOTHING CHAIN
“My schedule was definitely more flimsy before secure scheduling went into effect. Once it went into effect, it was like: oh, I’m actually going to get the hours I asked for instead of settling for 10 hours less? That was really wonderful.”
— AUBRIE, BARISTA AT STARBUCKS
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“As a coordinator at Panera, I’ve seen that secure scheduling has made our staff so much happier. The employees choose — if they want to be here five days, I give them five 8-hour shifts. If they want to be here four days, I give them four 9- or 10- hour shifts. Once they’ve decided, it’s set in stone. We’ve made that obligation not to change it unless you come to us. Now you’ve got some form to your week — some structure you can then live off.”
— JOHN, CATERING COORDINATOR AT PANERA BREAD
“I work at a department store in Redmond, but I still saw changes in my store’s scheduling practices when secure scheduling went into effect in Seattle. Before, I was called into work at the last minute. Now, I’m getting fewer calls to come in to work on scheduled days off. It’s easier to schedule doctor’s appointments, or get the car serviced, or plan lunch with a friend. I support secure scheduling because there’s more to life than the job.”
— MERCHANDISER AT A DEPARTMENT STORE
"I owe it to my family to provide for them but also to be present and know when I get to invest time. Secure scheduling means I can be home with my kid when I need to — without my boss being able to change it in the snap of the fingers. I know I get that time for my family. When I compare jobs and benefits, my secure scheduling & my two weeks' notice are at the top of my list."
— MERLEE, BIKE COURIER AT JIMMY JOHN'S
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