Petition for Fair & Predictable Work Schedules in Ohio

**Petition for Fair & Predictable Work Schedules in Ohio**

We are calling on Ohio lawmakers, employers, and labor leaders to support **predictable scheduling protections** for workers across the state.

Currently, Ohio law does not require employers to provide workers with advance notice of their work schedules. Many employees receive their schedules only one week in advance—or even less—making it extremely difficult to plan basic necessities such as transportation, childcare, education, medical appointments, second jobs, or rest.

This lack of predictability disproportionately harms:

* Students
* Low-income workers
* Transit-dependent workers
* Disabled workers
* Single parents
* Workers balancing multiple jobs

A job should provide stability—not constant uncertainty.

The Problem

Short-notice scheduling creates serious hardships, including:

* Missed shifts due to lack of transportation
* Increased absenteeism and burnout
* Difficulty budgeting and paying bills
* Barriers to education and career advancement
* Higher employee turnover

Workers are often penalized for circumstances created by unpredictable scheduling—despite having no control over when schedules are released.

How Predictable Scheduling Benefits Companies

Predictable scheduling is not only good for workers—it also provides **measurable benefits for employers and businesses**, including:

* **Lower employee turnover**, reducing hiring and training costs
* **Improved attendance and punctuality**, especially for transit-dependent workers
* **Higher employee morale and engagement**, leading to better customer service
* **Greater schedule reliability**, resulting in fewer last-minute call-offs
* **Stronger workforce retention**, especially among students and part-time employees
* **Improved productivity**, as workers are better rested and prepared

When employees can plan their lives, they are more likely to commit long-term to their workplace. Predictable schedules create **more stable, dependable teams**, which benefits businesses financially and operationally.

Our Request

We urge Ohio lawmakers to introduce and support **fair workweek / predictive scheduling protections**, including:

1. **A minimum of two weeks’ advance notice** of work schedules
2. **Clear communication** of any schedule changes
3. **Compensation or protections** for last-minute cancellations or changes
4. **Good-faith scheduling practices** that consider worker availability and transportation limitations
5. **Reasonable exceptions** for true emergencies or unexpected business disruptions

These protections already exist in other states and cities across the U.S. and have improved both worker stability and employer outcomes.

Why This Matters

Predictable scheduling is not about limiting businesses—it is about **creating sustainable workplaces**.

Workers cannot responsibly manage their lives if they do not know when they are expected to work. Students cannot succeed academically. Parents cannot arrange childcare. Disabled workers cannot plan accommodations. Transit-dependent workers cannot reliably arrive on time.

At the same time, businesses benefit from reduced turnover, better attendance, and stronger team commitment.

Call to Action

We ask Ohio legislators and employers to recognize that predictable scheduling is a matter of **economic stability, workforce retention, and long-term business success**.

We deserve:

* Time to plan our lives
* Time to rest
* Time to learn
* Time to survive

A fair schedule should not be a privilege—it should be should be a standard.

By signing this petition, I support fair and predictable work schedules for Ohio workers and urge lawmakers to take action to modernize scheduling practices in a way that benefits both employees and employers.