Committee hears competing views on 'reporting pay' bill that would guarantee minimum pay if employers cancel shifts

Senator Mike Tipping presented LD 598 to the Joint Standing Committee on Labor as a narrow measure to require employers to pay a minimum amount to employees who report for a scheduled shift but are sent home or have hours reduced. The sponsor said the bill responds to “just‑in‑time” scheduling practices that use algorithmic staffing to cut shifts with little notice, shifting costs to low‑wage workers.

Supporters said the bill would protect workers who arrange childcare, pay travel costs and forgo other work to be available for a shift that is later canceled. Opponents — including small business groups, retailers, restaurant associations and hospitality trade groups — warned the bill would increase costs, create administrative burdens for small employers and reduce managerial flexibility for openings and seasonal businesses.

Why this matters: Testimony showed clear fault lines between lower‑wage worker advocates and employer groups. The Department of Labor told the committee it understands the problem the sponsor raised but that…