Marking its seventh year, Seattle's Secure Scheduling Ordinance continues to make an impact, providing essential protections for the city's retail and food service workers. The Office of Labor Standards (OLS) celebrates the anniversary by reflecting on the achievements of the legislation, which has ensured workers receive advanced notice of their schedules, aiming to balance the demands of their professional and personal lives. Since its inception on July 1, 2017, the OLS has resolved investigations resulting in $9.7 million in remedies paid to 10,036 workers, according to the Seattle Office of Labor Standards.

So far, in 2024, the OLS has settled 11 investigations under this ordinance, directing $3,754,989 back into the pockets of 3,495 workers. These numbers are not merely transactions, but manifestations of a commitment to the rights and dignity of the workforce. OLS Director Steven Marchese underscored the depth of this impact, stating, "The millions of dollars in remedies returned to workers over this time demonstrate both the importance of these protections for workers and the continuing need to assist retail and food service businesses with compliance."

Among the recent settlements, Sandwich SC LLC, doing business as Jimmy John’s, settled on June 10, 2024, for alleged violations of the Secure Scheduling, Minimum Wage, and Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinances. The sub sandwich franchise, with over 500 locations globally, agreed to pay $624,849.20 to 853 employees. An employee expressed their relief, saying, "The news of this settlement was a huge surprise for me. I almost cried. I had no idea until now how much I was owed. These back wages could make a huge difference in my life."

Another investigation conducted by OLS involved Potbelly Sandwich Works LLC, culminating in a settlement on June 3, 2024. The chain faced allegations of failing to meet the Secure Scheduling and Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinances standards at their Seattle locations. Subsequently, Potbelly agreed to compensate 186 affected workers with a total of $99,083.18 and pay an additional $2,661.20 to the City of Seattle. "If you’re afraid of retaliation for speaking up and advocating for yourself and your rights, remember that your courage impacts everyone. Positive change starts within you, and in standing up for yourself, you stand up for all of us," Adam Fry, a Potbelly Sandwich Works employee, said in an assertion of worker solidarity.

Advocates like Danielle Alvarado, Executive Director at Working Washington and Fair Work Center, laud the ordinance’s ongoing support for labor rights. "We all have a right to know when we’re going to work and how many hours we’re going to get. We’re proud to celebrate seven years of our nation-leading secure scheduling law that holds large corporate employers accountable to this principle and grants workers greater stability and joy both inside and outside of work," Alvarado affirmed. The actions and settlements brokered by OLS serve as a model for protecting workers in a landscape that too often neglects the complexities of their lives.