NYC's Fair Workweek Law requires fast food and retail employers to provide workers with advance notice of their schedules and pay premiums when schedules change at the last minute. It also prohibits fast food employers from firing or reducing hours without just cause.
Chain restaurants with 30+ locations nationally. Must give 14 days advance written schedule notice. Cannot reduce hours or fire workers without just cause. Premiums apply for schedule changes inside 14 days.
Retail businesses with 20+ NYC employees. Must give 72 hours advance written schedule notice. Cannot use on-call scheduling or require workers to be available without pay. Cannot cancel shifts with less than 72 hours notice without premium pay.
Workers can file complaints with DCWP. DCWP investigates and can order back pay plus civil penalties. Employers face penalties per violation, plus potential restitution of all unpaid premiums.
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Failure to pay schedule change premiums | Restitution + civil penalty |
| Failure to provide advance written schedule | $500–$1,000 per violation |
| Retaliation against worker for filing complaint | Back pay + $2,500+ civil penalty |