As Labor Day approaches, advocates in Maryland are pushing for a change in how workers receive their schedules.

Take Hilaria, who lives in Gaithersburg and works at a fast food restaurant. (That's all she'll say on the record, fearing potential reprisal from her employer.) Hilaria says she often doesn't receive her weekly work schedule until right before she has to start it.

"Sometimes it three to four days before the schedule [starts]," Hilaria says. "So we don't have enough time for activities — like for my daughter in school, or for my appointment with a doctor."

Advocates for workers argue Hilaria's story is not uncommon for those in the restaurant and hospitality industries. They're pushing the Maryland General Assembly to approve a measure next year that would make employers issue schedules three weeks in advance. It's called the Fair Work Week Act.

Del. David Moon of Montgomery County says it would provide protections for workers who don't have many.

"Schedules change. You're asked to fill in for people at the last second. It's a busy night and all of the sudden you have to jump in and completely alter your schedule. And if you can't, you're often made to find a replacement yourself," Del. Moon says.

A similar bill never received a vote during this year's session in Annapolis. Nationwide, Fair Work Week bills have been more successful at the city and county level. San Francisco approved a similar measure last year, and Albuqueque, New Mexico, is currently debating one.

Source: WAMU 88.5