Contact Congress about H.R. 5563: Schedules That Work Act
Many workers could ask for schedule changes without being punished. Some service-sector workers would get 14 days' notice, extra pay for certain last-minute changes, and more rest between shifts.
Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
Schedules That Work Act is a House bill in Congress.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects workers whose schedules change with little notice. It also affects employers with 15 or more workers, especially in retail, restaurants, cleaning, hotels, and warehouses. Unions, state labor agencies, and the U.S. Department of Labor would also deal with how the rules fit with existing contracts and laws.
Why this matters: Unstable schedules can make everyday life harder for workers who need child care, school time, medical care, a second job, or steady income. This bill would try to reduce last-minute changes by adding notice, pay, and enforcement rules. Employers would gain new costs and paperwork duties, especially in industries where staffing changes quickly.
Key provisions in H.R. 5563
- The bill covers employers with 15 or more workers involved in commerce. That includes private employers and some public agencies.
- Covered workers could ask to change their hours, shift times, work location, schedule notice, or how steady their hours are.
- Employers would have to respond to schedule requests in a timely and honest way. They would also have to explain denials, including any stated business reason.
- Some schedule requests would get stronger protection. If the reason is a serious health condition, caregiving, career-related school or training, or a second job, the employer must approve it unless there is a real business reason not to.
- Retail, food service, cleaning, hospitality, and warehouse employers would have to give schedules at least 14 days ahead in writing. The same rule would apply to any occupations added later.
How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 5563
You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.
Questions people ask about H.R. 5563
- What is H.R. 5563?
- Many workers could ask for schedule changes without being punished. Some service-sector workers would get 14 days' notice, extra pay for certain last-minute changes, and more rest between shifts.
- How do I support or oppose H.R. 5563?
- Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.
- Who should I contact about H.R. 5563?
- Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.
- Can Modern Action explain H.R. 5563 before I act?
- Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.