Josh Elliott

State Rep. Josh Elliott joined lawmakers and activists during a press conference on March 6 to advocate in support of Senate Bill 321 which would establish a fair workweek by helping to end the practice of on-call scheduling for Connecticut’s big box retail, food service, hospitality and home care workers.

Throughout Connecticut, countless of low-wage, hourly workers, struggle to earn a stable income because of unpredictable work schedules. Employees are often forced to work with little notice, maintain open availability for “on-call” shifts without any guarantee of work, and have shifts cancelled at the last minute.

SB 321 would give workers the stability and steady income they need to make ends meet by helping to eliminate on-call shifts and guaranteeing workers compensation for lost time when hours are cut unexpectedly.

By passing SB 321, supporters said Connecticut can lift up its low-wage workers and families with opportunities to budget their lives, plan childcare, pursue higher education, work toward economic advancement, stay healthy and enjoy family time.

“For too long, our big box retail, food service, hospitality and home care employers have enforced unfair scheduling practices that only maximize the company’s profits at the expense of their low-wage, hourly employees. As a small business owner and manager, I have seen firsthand how a steady wage and consistent schedule can improve the lives of our working families. Every employee – regardless of their job title and salary – should be given the same right. To give our working families the stable income and predictable schedule they need to make ends meet, it is vital that we pass legislation that eliminates the practice of on-call scheduling,” said Elliott, D-Hamden.