Millions of workers in the U.S. are ready and willing to work full time, but find themselves stuck in jobs that offer only part-time hours. These workers often struggle to earn enough income to make ends meet. When combined with the erratic schedules low-wage workers often face, holding a second job is often not an option. As a result, “involuntary part-time workers” (those who are working part time despite preferring full-time hours) are significantly more likely to be low-income than other workers. Many employers have adopted business models that perpetuate this situation. Retail workers report that their employers hire additional part-time workers despite the fact that their current part-time employees are desperately in need of more hours. Fortunately, a promising set of policy solutions has emerged to try to curb this problematic practice. Thanks to worker organizing, policies to increase access to full-time work are advancing around the country.
On this audio conference sponsored by Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity, you will get a snapshot of the data on poverty and involuntary part-time work. As well, you’ll hear from advocates in Seattle, WA; San Jose, CA; and Washington, D.C. – three jurisdictions where laws intended to address involuntary part-time work have passed in the last year. These exciting victories are major steps towards ensuring that workers can get the full-time hours they need to support themselves and their families – and contribute to a healthy economy.
Click here to listen to the audio file of the conversation.
Click for full report by Lonnie Golden: Still falling short on hours and pay: Part-time work becoming new normal
Speakers:
Lonnie Golden, research associate at the Economic Policy Institute, and University of Illinois, Project of Middle Class Renewal;
Amy Sugimori, director of policy and legislation for 32BJ SEIU;
Sejal Parikh, executive director of Working Washington;
Derecka Mehrens, executive director of Working Partnerships USA.