Staying Compliant: Scheduling Laws You Need to Know

Scheduling Laws Are Changing

More and more cities and states are passing "predictive scheduling" or "fair workweek" laws. If you employ hourly workers, you need to know about these.

What Is Predictive Scheduling?

Predictive scheduling laws generally require employers to:

• Post schedules in advance (usually 7-14 days)
• Pay premiums for last-minute changes ("predictability pay")
• Offer existing employees extra hours before hiring new staff
• Provide rest between shifts (no "clopening" — closing then opening)

Where Do These Laws Apply?

As of 2026, predictive scheduling laws exist in:

• Oregon (statewide)
• San Francisco, CA
• Seattle, WA
• New York City, NY
• Chicago, IL
• Philadelphia, PA
• And more are being proposed every year

Even if you're in a state like Florida where the laws are more flexible, it's smart to follow best practices anyway — your employees will thank you.

How to Stay Compliant

1. Know your local laws — Check city AND state requirements
2. Post schedules early — 14 days is a safe bet everywhere
3. Document everything — Schedule changes, employee consent, swap approvals
4. Track rest periods — Make sure employees get adequate time between shifts
5. Use scheduling software — Manual tracking is a compliance nightmare waiting to happen

How Skedji Helps

Skedji automatically flags potential compliance issues:

• Warns about insufficient rest between shifts
• Tracks schedule change history
• Documents swap approvals
• Exports records for audits

Stay ahead of the regulations. Skedji is built to help you schedule with confidence and stay compliant.