These stories are heartbreaking to hear ... I sometimes wonder what the answer might be. Perhaps regulation that puts limits on a) the lead time employees must be given for a schedule, or b) limits on how chaotic a schedule can be (ie. generally mornings, or generally evenings), or c) a max # of hours between shifts to allow employees proper rest ??

You're right, this does feel like the employees are getting screwed ... especially when they can't even commit to anything else like school because of the chaotic nature of their schedule.