Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act

Key Points

• This bill changes the rules for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to help part-time workers. Instead of needing to work 1,250 hours over a full year to qualify for job-protected leave, workers would only need to be employed for 90 days. This allows more people to take time off for a new baby or a serious illness without losing their job.
• The policy stops companies from treating part-time workers worse than full-time ones if they do the same job. It requires equal pay rates and fair access to promotions. It also says part-time staff should be able to earn benefits, like paid time off, in proportion to the number of hours they work.
• Employers would be required to offer extra work hours to their current employees before hiring anyone new. When a shift comes up, the company must check if current staff want those hours and are qualified to do the work. This helps people who want more hours but are currently stuck in part-time roles.
• Businesses with more than 15 employees would have to follow these rules, including large chains and franchise networks. The bill also sets up ways for workers to sue or for the government to fine companies that don't comply. Employers would have to keep records of work hour offers for at least three years to prove they are following the law.