Retail and utility safety worker rights under the Fair Workweek Law include:

• 72 hours’ advance notice of work schedule
• No on-call shifts
• No call-in shifts within 72 hours of the start of the shift
• No shift cancellations with less than 72 hours’ notice
• No shift additions with less than 72 hours’ notice unless worker consents in writing
• Updated written schedule from employers if changes are made with less than 72 hours’ notice

Fast food worker rights include:

• No firing or reduction of hours without just cause
• No layoffs except for economic reasons
• Written explanation for firing, reduction of hours, or layoff 
• Regular schedule and first work schedule in writing on or before first day of work
• 14 days’ advance notice of work schedule
• Premium pay for schedule changes by employer less than 14 days before the first shift on the work schedule and the right to say no to additional hours
• $100 premium to work “clopening” shifts and the right to say no
• Priority to laid-off or current workers to work newly available shifts before employer hires new employees

In December 2025, DCWP announced a settlement with Starbucks that requires Starbucks to pay more than $35.5 million in restitution to over 15,000 workers harmed by its unlawful practices, as well as any additional workers who come forward. In addition, DCWP is monitoring Starbucks' compliance with reinstating any workers who were laid off following recent closures of New York City stores.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for restitution if you worked for Starbucks in an hourly position between July 4, 2021 and July 7, 2024. You will receive a check in the mail this winter.

If you are an employee who experienced a violation after July 7, 2024, you may still be eligible for compensation by filing a complaint with DCWP.

If you are a laid off Starbucks employee who was denied the right to reinstatement at another Starbucks location, file a complaint with DCWP.

File a complaint.

If you have any questions regarding this settlement, contact the DCWP Office of Labor and Policy Standards (OLPS) at OLPS@dcwp.nyc.gov.