Serve Up Protection For NYC Fast Food Workers: Bills

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN — Slinging burgers and fries in New York City should come with a side of workplace protections, a group of advocates and public officials argued Thursday.

Fast food workers no longer can be fired without just cause under a bill proposed by Councilman Brad Lander, who represents Park Slope.

Another bill introduced by Queens Councilwoman Adrienne Adams would require employers to use seniority during layoff decisions when the economy goes from super size to value meal.

"Too many fast-food workers have been fired without a just cause, without a warning, without even any notice," Lander said in a statement. "And if you can be fired simply on the whim of an angry boss or a disgruntled customer’s complaint, then you’re far more vulnerable to harassment or abuse. This legislation will bring more stability and dignity to the jobs of tens of thousands of fast food workers in New York City, and offer a model for millions of other workers as well."

Adams, Lander, fast food workers and others rallied at City Hall on Thursday ahead of testimony on the bills, according to a release.

The so-called Just Cause legislation dovetails with a study last year that found 65 percent of New York fast food employees who lost their jobs were fired without cause. That study by the Center for Popular Democracy and the National Employment Law Project also found 58 percent of workers surveyed experienced a drastic cut in hours.

The bills would consider a cut of more than 15 percent of hours equivalent to termination, the release states.

More information on the bills can be found here.