Defying the Law of Unpredictability

In a perfect world, we could predict the future days and weeks ahead. And nothing would change.  

But in the real world, the phone always rings.

Plans at home, school, and work change. It’s a law of (human) nature. 

However, some lawmakers are re-considering a proposal (HB 6933) that would require employers to post their employees’ schedules 21 days in advance—and face a “predictability pay” (read: tax) if anything changes.

It’s a proposal that defies the real world.

In today’s workplaces, employers and employees are constantly rearranging hours and schedules–whether to accommodate each others’ needs, production timetables, customer demand, or any unpredictable occurrence one could name.

Connecticut employers are routinely considered among the best in the U.S. in the quality of their workplaces and the benefits they offer their employees.

A major part of that is flexibility—through generous leave policies, job-sharing, telecommuting and other ways to accommodate the unpredictable changes a given day can bring. 

Many job creators say HB 6933 would be nearly impossible to implement. From daycares, to construction, to restaurants, to hospitals, the unpredictable nature of their work makes compliance difficult, if not impossible.

Even the state’s Corrections Department says it couldn't comply with this law without risking the safety of their own employees and correction officers.

Defying the very predictability the legislation seeks, this idea, even though it failed earlier this session, is expected to re-emerge. Legislators may make modifications in order to attract more votes to it, but even so the bill still doesn’t work.

For example, employers could feel forced to keep employees on the clock, even when there are no customers, or face paying a penalty fine.

As always, entry-level and low skilled employees will pay the real cost of this proposal. Larger employers will likely reduce the number of lowered skilled employees they schedule – creating fewer opportunities and resulting in poorer customer service. The small mom and pop shops will be less able to adapt.

HB 6933 is one more cost added to businesses in a state that is already one of the costliest places for business.

Lawmakers need to tell their leadership that enough is enough, and the only way to ensure more predictable hours and greater opportunities for workers is to make the state a better place for businesses to grow.            

For more information, contact CBIA’s Eric Gjede at 860.244.1931 | eric.gjede@cbia.com | @egjede