People are not things. That was the basic message of Wednesday's packed hearing at the DC City Council on two bills that would provide low-wage workers with more predictable work hours. “Too many retailers are treating employees like inventory by constantly shifting around their schedules with little to no advanced notice," said UFCW Local 400 president Mark Federici in a written statement. "Workers without a union have no recourse to maintain minimum hours and scheduling standards," testified Metro Washington Council president Jos Williams, urging the Council to pass the bills. "The struggle is real," said Kim, a Macy's worker who said that schedule stability is critical. Jalesa, a Target employee who's the mother of three, said that a predictable schedule saves money, time and anxiety making sure kids have safe care. "We need to make these jobs stable, with pathways to full-time hours," said Jobs with Justice DC Executive Director Nikki Lewis. "To improve the lives of low-wage workers, attention must be given to both wages and precarious schedules," said Jaime Contreras, District Chairman of SEIU 32BJ’s Capital Area District. For more information, visit the DC Just Hours website.
photo collage courtesy DC JWJ Twitter feed
photo collage courtesy DC JWJ Twitter feed