San Jose city leaders may require employers to increase hours for part-time workers

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- San Jose is taking the next step in a measure that would increase hours for part-time workers. It sets up a labor fight that many of you will be voting on in November.

Tuesday's meeting on the initiative is really just a formality. The council has two choices - pass it as is or send it to the ballot.

So what exactly would it do?

If the city council puts it on the November ballot, it would require businesses to offer up more hours to its part-time employees before hiring someone new.

Supporters who collected the signatures for the ordinance say many employers choose to hire workers on a part-time basis to avoid providing health insurance and other job related benefits.

But tens of thousands of hourly workers would prefer to work full time but can only find part-time work.

Small businesses would be exempt from the requirement.

Opponents of this ordinance say if passed, it would eliminate jobs for students and seniors, destroy the competitiveness of San Jose and open up new ways for frivolous lawsuits against employers.

The council will also decide if it will put rebuttal arguments on the ballot.

That would reduce the city's election costs.

Tuesday's regular session starts at 11 a.m.