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.
Progress for Working Families Sweeps the Nation
From Connecticut to Oregon to Hawaii, lawmakers in states across the country are stepping up to pass proposals that increase working families’ ability to be responsible employees and family members without sacrificing their financial stability.
Family Leave Meant a Strong Start for My Son, My Family and Me
Eight years ago, our first son was born. Like many, I found becoming a parent to be an amazing, life-changing experience.
Bloomberg’s Veto Will Not Stop Paid Sick Days in New York City
Today, despite the tremendous benefits paid sick days would have for the city’s working families, businesses, economy and public health, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg vetoed the paid sick days bill passed by the City Council last month.
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.
A Day of Action on Fair Pay
Monday marks the 50th anniversary of the Equal Pay Act — a 1963 law aimed at closing the gap between the wages of men and women. But, despite this landmark law, a significant gender-based wage gap persists.
A Family Friendly America Must Eradicate Discrimination Against LGBT Workers
At the National Partnership, we have been working for more than 40 years to make the country’s workplaces more fair and family friendly. That’s why we were proud to partner with a strong coalition of policy experts, business advocates and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organizations today to release A Broken Bargain: Discrimination, Fewer Benefits and More Taxes for LGBT Workers.
Momentum Sparks New Campaigns, More Progress
The success and progress of paid sick days campaigns in Portland, Ore., and New York City have added to the momentum around this common sense policy and sparked new campaigns and progress in other states and cities.
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.
Paid Sick Days Opponents Continue to Hide Behind Preemption
Last month, I wrote about a disturbing trend: States are passing “preemption” laws that prohibit a growing number of cities and counties from adopting their own paid sick days standards.
Keeping “Wellness” from Turning into Discrimination
Today, I had the honor of testifying before the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on a topic of critical importance to our nation’s workers: employer wellness programs.
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.