Thirteen retail chains are under scrutiny for possibly violating employee rights.
The New York attorney general is launching an inquiry into 13 retailers including Target, Gap and J Crew questioning whether they require workers to show up or stay home with little notice.
If they do, they may be violating a New York law which says retailers must pay workers who show up at least four hours's pay, even if the workers are sent home right away.
Employers in New York must pay workers who report to work for a scheduled shift at least four hours of pay at minimum wage, even if they are sent home.
A number of other states have rules similar to New York's.