To help better meet the need to comply with union agreements, WorkJam has rolled out a new feature for its platform. Called “Shift Bidding,” it is designed to make scheduling in unionized workplaces and other, similarly complex environments simpler and fairer.

“This update ensures schedules meet union agreements and comply with relevant regulations while giving employees more say over their work hours,” the company said in a statement.

Steve Kramer, chief executive officer of WorkJam, said Shift Bidding “changes the game for businesses navigating the complexities of unionized teams and other complicated workplace environments. Managers often worry about filling open shifts, which can leave businesses short-staffed. Our new feature removes the guesswork by aligning schedules with union rules and letting employees rank their shift preferences. It’s a win for everyone — employees get more control, and businesses get better staffing, compliance, and smoother operations.”

The best part is that Shift Bidding completely automates scheduling for unionized workers.

WorkJam said in a statement that employees can review available shift packages and rank their choices as well as “feel confident that the system treats everyone fairly.” The company said the platform “also ensures compliance with contract enforcement, supporting schedule fairness and seniority rules in both unionized and non-union environments where these factors play a role in the scheduling process.”

For businesses that use the Shift Bidding feature, the results include fewer complaints and reduced compliance risks along with a boost in employee satisfaction, the company claimed. “Shift Bidding helps organizations get the most out of their workforce management systems (WMS) by making employees more engaged, streamlining operations, and promoting equitable scheduling practices across the board,” the company said.

WorkJam said Shift Bidding is designed to work smoothly with WMS platforms such as UKG Pro, Blue Yonder and ADP. Workers can choose from flexible shift packages that align with their needs, “whether it’s balancing family commitments or prioritizing seniority,” the company said, adding that the system “uses a built-in Seniority Engine to make sure schedules are fair and transparent.”

WorkJam said industries that can benefit from the platform and the Shift Bidding feature include grocery, retail, logistics and services — industries where union labor agreements play a big role.

“By simplifying scheduling and ensuring compliance, businesses can improve trust and engagement with their employees, all while cutting down on admin work and focusing on what matters: delivering exceptional customer service,” WorkJam said.