Bill Would Give Employees Right To Request Flexible Schedule

Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) have reintroduced legislation that would provide employees with a statutory right to request flexible work terms and conditions. The Flexibility for Working Families Act (H.R. 2559, S. 1248) would authorize an employee to request a change in the terms or conditions of employment relating to: (1) the number of hours the employee is required to work; (2) the times when the employee is required to work or be on call for work; (3) where the employee is required to work; or (4) the amount of notification the employee receives of work schedule assignments.

Upon receiving a request, an employer would be required to hold a meeting with the employee to discuss his or her application and provide a written decision regarding the application "within a reasonable period" after the meeting. If the application is rejected, the employer would be required to provide a reason for the denial. The employer would be permitted to