Children in districts across the country are returning to school. For parents balancing work with childcare, school sessions returning can be a relief. However parents know all too well that a sick child in need of an early pickup, or a more serious long-term medical emergency can result in unexpected time off work. For many parents, this can mean weighing the financial impact of a slimmer paycheck against being there for their kids in times of need. Nobody should be forced to make this choice. We’re fighting for all of the supports that parents need, year-round.
That includes:
1. Paid sick time.
No parent should ever be forced to choose between risking a day’s pay or sending a sick child to school – but that is the reality for millions of families across the country. Dozens of jurisdictions have passed laws providing paid sick time for workers, including, most recently, Alaska, as well as for many workers in Nebraska. State progress has extended this essential right to more workers, but millions are still unable to access even a single day of paid sick time. With numerous states even outright blocking or overturning local paid sick time laws, the need for a federal paid sick time program has never been more urgent.
2. Fair and flexible schedules.
Parents know all too well that when life happens, sometimes an adjustment to one’s usual work schedule is necessary. Additionally, for shift workers, rigid and unpredictable schedules can cause workers to risk punishment for requesting changes, including flexibility to meet childcare needs. We’re fighting for federal legislation that would ensure workers nationwide are able to access fair and predictable schedules, as well as request schedule changes for childcare without fear of retaliation.
3. Paid family and medical leave.
Lastly, it is unacceptable that the U.S. still lacks a federal right to paid leave to care for oneself or a loved one, or to welcome a new child. Paid family and medical leave means parents can be there to bond with a newborn, newly adopted, or new foster child, or to care for a child who is suffering from a serious illness or undergoing medical treatment. It also means that parents can take time off without risking their family’s financial security if they themselves are seriously ill. We’ve seen recent victories for paid parental leave for state government employees in Alabama and Mississippi, but we still need a federal program to extend this right to workers nationwide.
We wish all families a smooth return to school this year. If you have questions about your rights to balance work and care, visit our state-by-state Workplace Rights Hub to learn about protections in your area. For additional assistance, you can contact our free and confidential legal helpline via our website form or by calling 1-833-NEED-ABB.