Retailers’ On-Call Shifts Denounced by N.Y. Attorney General

Gap Inc. and other retailers were told by New York’s attorney general that using on-call shifts may be illegal, bringing fresh criticism to a practice that forces workers to make themselves available on short notice.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman sent letters to 13 retailers on April 10 seeking information about their reliance on the staffing approach. He warned the companies that making workers stay on call may be violating state employment law.