Today is the eighth and final Labor Day the country will celebrate with Barack Obama as its president. It’s well worth taking a moment to appreciate his deep and enduring commitment to equal opportunity for women in the workplace.
Activism Can Change the Landscape for Expecting and New Parents
Cross-posted from Lamaze International's "Giving Birth with Confidence."Just as planning carefully for pregnancy and childbirth is important, so too is thinking about how you will protect your family’s economic security once the baby arrives. That responsibility...
Failing Our Families
In the United States today, whether you can take a few paid sick days or a few weeks of paid family or medical leave, and whether your employer must make reasonable accommodations that allow you to continue working through your pregnancy, all depend on where you work.
Paid Sick Days Advocates Help Bring Paid Sick Days Access to All-Time High
New data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveal that the tireless work of paid sick days advocates and thoughtful lawmakers across the country is making a real difference. Sixty-four percent of private sector workers can now earn paid sick time, compared to 61 percent in 2015. That is the highest share on record – and it means millions more workers have gained access to paid sick days.
Paid Sick Days Victory in the Third Largest City in the Nation
Chicago took a major step toward becoming the 34th jurisdiction in the country with a paid sick days law today, following unanimous approval by the city council. Mayor Rahm Emmanuel has pledged to sign the ordinance. When it takes effect on July 1, 2017, more than 460,000 workers will newly gain the right to earn paid sick time. And the nation’s three most populous cities will guarantee this common sense protection.
The Do No Harm Act: An Opportunity to Protect Women and Families from Discrimination
Earlier this month, I joined a strong group of civil rights advocates on Capitol Hill to celebrate the introduction of the Do No Harm Act of 2016.
Further Improvements to ACA Marketplace Websites Are Helping Consumers Find the Right Health Insurance Plans, but More Progress Needed
During the third open enrollment period, which ran from November 2015 through January 2016, roughly 12.7 million people purchased health insurance through the marketplace.
What Advice Would You Give Young Women in the Workplace?
MTV asked that question as it announced its 79% Work Clock and effort to call attention to the gender wage gap. This was my response.
It’s Time to Stop Claiming Businesses Oppose Paid Leave Policies
Last week, through a leaked internal poll, we gained even more evidence that business support for paid family and medical leave is strong.
Something is Wrong With Wages in America
The annual recognition of Equal Pay Day  —  the day that marks how far into the year women have had to work to catch up with what men were paid in the previous year — is always a stunning reminder of just how far we still have to go to reach true equality for women in this country.
Happy Sixth Birthday, Obamacare: Six Ways the ACA Helps Women
Six years after President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law, there is a lot to celebrate.
Standing Up for Women and Families in 2016
“These issues should be at the top of our national agenda.” That was the message Sen. Cory Booker delivered at the National Partnership’s annual congressional briefing.
“Bad Medicine” Laws Are Harming Women in a Majority of States
Imagine for a moment that you are a woman in Louisiana who has decided to have an abortion. Here’s what you will experience as you set out to get safe, legal health care.
Promising Paid Sick Time News for Nearly 830,000 More Workers
Right on schedule, the U.S. Department of Labor today proposed a rule that will ultimately give 828,000 workers who service federal contracts expanded access to paid sick time, including nearly 437,000 workers who are currently not guaranteed a single paid sick day. This is a much-needed and encouraging step toward implementing the executive order President Obama issued on Labor Day.
After Yearslong Battle, Victory in Vermont!
Today, by a vote of 81 to 64, the Vermont House of Representatives reaffirmed its support for a statewide paid sick days bill and sent the proposal to the governor, who supports it. The hard-fought victory means Vermont will soon be the fifth state in the nation to guarantee paid sick days.
An Inspiring Day of Action on Paid Leave
When you spend most of your days walking the halls of Congress advocating for policies you truly believe in, you quickly learn that some days are special.
Voters Say It’s Time for Paid Family and Medical Leave
23 years. During that time, you can raise and put a child through college. Transform HIV/AIDS from a death sentence to a chronic disease. Move the country from “don’t ask, don’t tell” to marriage equality for all.
Small Businesses Support Paid Sick Days in Minneapolis and Across the Country
Advocates and small business owners in Minneapolis are making the case for paid sick days. A new report released last week by the Main Street Alliance of Minnesota with the support of the National Partnership for Women & Families summarizes the growing body of evidence that shows paid sick days policies benefit businesses.
Paid Sick Days Are Already Winning in 2016
2016 is off to a good start for many workers who used to lack access to paid sick days. On January 1, Oregon’s statewide paid sick days bill took effect. On January 6, a paid sick days law in New Brunswick, New Jersey, took effect. And today, Spokane, Wash., passed a paid sick days ordinance.
We Should Be Talking About When America Guarantees Paid Leave — Not If
Two years after the FAMILY Act was first introduced, paid leave is on the horizon in the United States.
