Ohio bill seeks extra retail pay on Thanksgiving

A lawmaker in Ohio wants retailers in the state to pay triple wages for employees who work on Thanksgiving – an effort that comes as Macy’s is allowing its workers to choose whether to work that day.

Both are attempts to counter frustration among workers and their families over holiday store hours that have expanded into the holiday.

State Rep. Mike Foley says his bill would allow employees to bow out of the holiday shift without sanctions. It comes after a federal complaint said Wal-Mart illegally fired workers protesting holiday working conditions last year.

Macy’s, Wal-Mart and two dozen other major retailers open on Thanksgiving Day say consumers demand it. A spokesman says working the holiday is optional for Macy’s employees this year. Those who work will be paid time-and-a-half.