NEW YORK – This week, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that New York City will become the largest U.S. city to ensure fast-food and retail workers have predictable schedules and predictable paychecks.

The mayor’s package, which includes bills to end what he calls “unfair and inconsistent scheduling practices in the fast food industry,” will hold QSR and retail corporations operating in New York City “accountable for their scheduling practices.”

De Blasio says that current scheduling practices have made it difficult for thousands of lower-wage earners in New York City to take on additional employment, plan for child or elder care, or further their education.

“Last fall, we promised to make the lives of some of our city’s hardest working just a little bit easier by bringing fair, predictable scheduling to their jobs. These bills deliver on that promise,” de Blasio said. “Predictable schedules and predictable paychecks should be a right, not a privilege. With this legislation, we are continuing to build a fairer and more equitable city for all New Yorkers.”