People across the country experience the challenges that come from our nation’s outdated workplace policies. But the strain between responsibilities at home and on the job is especially acute when a baby is born or a new child arrives.
Two Decades of the FMLA: 100 Million Stories and a Strong Case for the Next Step
Twenty years ago today, for the first time in our nation’s history, tens of millions of people had the right to take time away from work to address the health and caregiving needs we all face at some point in our lives.
One Step Closer to Equity for Peace Corps Volunteers
Here’s a fact that may surprise you: Women who work for the Peace Corps at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and women who volunteer for the Peace Corps and serve overseas receive different health care coverage from the federal government.
Rhode Island Legislature Makes Paid Leave History!
Today, the Rhode Island legislature became the third in the nation to pass a law that guarantees workers paid time off to care for seriously ill family members and new children.
Amplifying the Voices of Patients
Big changes are taking place in our health care system — and it’s about time. While some innovations have been occurring in limited areas around the country, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is making bigger, bolder transformation of the health care system more of a reality.
Advancing the Nation’s 75-Year-Old Vision of Fair Workplaces
Seventy-five years ago last week, the nation celebrated a major victory for women and families when the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) became law.
A Tremendous Step Forward for New Yorkers and Our Nation
Early this morning, the New York City Council voted overwhelmingly to guarantee workers the right to earn paid sick days — taking a significant step forward for the country in giving workers this fundamental and common sense right.
Victory for Equality!
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a historic victory for same-sex couples and our nation’s promise of equal protection under the law.
New Preemption Law in Florida Strengthens Imperative for National Paid Sick Days Standard
Florida Governor Rick Scott handed the organized business lobby a victory today, and the losers are workers, local governments and the fundamental principle of democracy in Florida.
The Equal Pay Act Turns 50: The Times They’ve Been a-Changin’
1963 was a year of great change for our country. Martin Luther King, Jr., said the words “I Have A Dream,” President John F. Kennedy and civil rights activist Medgar Evers were assassinated, Betty Friedan’s Feminine Mystique first hit bookstore shelves and the Equal Pay Act was signed into law.
Messages That Matter This Mother’s Day
“For everything you’ve taught me…” “For always being there…” “For all the sacrifices you’ve made… thanks, Mom.” These and messages like them are what mothers across the country will be reading in greeting cards and hearing from loved ones this weekend. But, for mothers who hold jobs, one reality is missing from these heartfelt sentiments.
New York City Council Paves the Way for One Million Workers to Earn Paid Sick Days
In a major victory in the effort to increase access to paid sick days, the New York City Council has passed a measure that would guarantee approximately one million workers the right to earn the paid sick time they need.
Mothers, Working Families Aren’t Fooled
Working people today face serious challenges when it comes to managing job and family: Nearly 40 percent of workers in the private sector — and more than 80 percent of those who are low-wage workers — cannot earn a single paid sick day. Forty percent of all workers have no access to even unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act when serious personal or family medical needs arise.
Sad Day for Floridians
Floridians are the latest state residents to fall victim to an underhanded and harmful effort to undermine democracy across the country.
Why the U.S. Desperately Needs a National Paid Family and Medical Leave Program
The United States is the only industrialized nation that does not guarantee some type of paid time off for employees, despite ample evidence that paid leave policies benefit workers, businesses, and the economy.
Why the FMLA Isn’t Enough
While the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has helped more than 100,000 families take the time they need to care for their families, a striking 40% of the U.S. workforce isn’t eligible for the 12 weeks of unpaid leave the FMLA provides because their employers have fewer than 50 employees, or because they haven’t been working for their employers for at least a year and put in a minimum of 1,250 hours.
How the FMLA Has Helped Real Moms Meet the Dual Demands of Job and Family
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) — a law that has allowed millions of mothers, fathers, adult children, and other hardworking people to care for their health and their families without having to worry about losing their jobs or their health insurance.
The Time is Now for Federal Action on Paid Sick Days
Susan, a single mother in Missouri, has a 10-year-old son who has pneumonia. She wants to stay home and care for him, but she cannot because her boss refuses to let her take the day off and she is terrified that, if she misses work, she will lose her job.
From Seattle to New York City, Women and Families Need Action on Fair Pay
It’s that time of year again. A time when those of us who are committed to achieving equality for women are reminded of the work left to do.
If Budgets Reflect Priorities…
If our budgets reflect our priorities, what does Paul Ryan’s budget say about our country, how much we value women and our compassion for the most vulnerable among us? Nothing good, I am afraid.
