Urban Outfitters in NYC Ends On-Call Scheduling

By PAIGE MCATEE

Clothing retailer Urban Outfitters has officially agreed to end on-call scheduling at all New York stores, New York State’s Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced Wednesday.

On-call shifts require workers to be available for shifts that could be cancelled at the last minute.

“Workers deserve basic protections, including a reliable work schedule that allows them to budget living expenses, arrange for childcare needs, and plan their days,” Schneiderman said in a statement.

All New York stores, including the two Urban Outfitters in Brooklyn (in Cobble Hill and Williamsburg), will begin to phase out the on-call shifts in November.

The apparel retailer known for making controversial decisions has also agreed to provide employees their schedules with at least a week’s notice.

Urban Outfitters follows in the footsteps of five other major retailers that ended the use of on-call shifts, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Bath & Body Works, Gap, and Victoria’s Secret.

“I commend Urban Outfitters for taking this important step to ensure that their employees have schedules that are more predictable,” Schneiderman said.