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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Darden Tests Limiting Worker Hours As Health-care Changes Loom

In an experiment apparently aimed at keeping down the cost of health-care reform, Orlando-based Darden Restaurants has stopped offering full-time schedules to many hourly workers in at least a few Olive Gardens, Red Lobsters and LongHorn Steakhouses.
Darden said the test is taking place in "a select number" of restaurants in four markets, including Central Florida, but would not give details. The company said there has been no decision made about expanding it.
In an emailed statement, Darden said staffing changes are "just one of the many things we are evaluating to help us address the cost implications health care reform will have on our business. There are still many unanswered questions regarding the health care regulations and we simply do not have enough information to make any decisions at this time."
Analysts say many other companies, including the White Castle hamburger chain, are considering employing fewer full-timers because of key features of the Affordable Care Act scheduled to go into effect in 2014. Under that law, large companies must provide affordable health insurance to employees working an average of at least 30 hours per week.
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4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow... think about this not only are the workers getting less hours (money) they lose health coverage (money) and are going to have to pay for thier own ins. talk about screwed thanks barry, nancey, harry!!

Anonymous said...

more workers that will not have health insurance, and due to cut in hours won't be able to afford health care, so those working will have to pick up the difference.
I'm not sure that should Romney get in office he will repeal Obamacare, so we the people, are royally screwed!

Anonymous said...

They already do that at the new longhorn in Salisbury. At least with the front of the house staff. No one is allowed to have more that 4 shifts a week I have heard

Anonymous said...

I hate to tell people but the restaurant industry rarely allow wait staff to make over 40 hrs a week.