State Laws

Press Release: ABB Responds to Passage of MI’s Earned Paid Sick Time Proposal

September 5, 2018
Defending Local Democracy, Paid Sick Time, State Laws

We applaud the passage today of Michigan’s earned paid sick time law giving nearly 2 million hard-working Michiganders the right to take time off to care for themselves and their families. But the fight is not over.

Your Questions Answered: From Our New York Paid Family Leave Hotline

August 23, 2018
Paid Family Leave, State Laws

At A Better Balance, we run a free and confidential hotline answering workers’ questions about New York’s paid family leave law. We hear from a lot of New Yorkers eager to get the family leave they need and we often hear the same questions from multiple callers.

Press Release: Lawsuit Filed Against Donut Shop for Discriminating Against Pregnant Employee

August 2, 2018
City Laws, Pregnant Workers Fairness, State Laws

A Better Balance filed a lawsuit today on behalf of a food service worker in upper Manhattan who—in a case of blatant and overt discrimination— was fired for being pregnant.

Celebrating Victories, Energizing for the Road Ahead: Equality Federation Leadership Conference 2018

July 31, 2018
Defending Local Democracy, LGBTQ, State Laws, Uncategorized

One of the many high points at the conference was hearing about the incredible cross-movement work happening at the local level, even in the face of state interference.

A Better Balance Launches Policy Brief Series on Paid Leave and the Future Of Work

July 26, 2018
Paid Family Leave, State Laws

Today, we launched Constructing 21st Century Rights For A Changing Workforce, a new series of policy briefs analyzing key issues in covering non-standard and precarious workers under paid leave laws. The first brief focuses on how paid family and medical leave laws can cover self-employed workers like freelancers and independent contractors.

Walmart’s Absence Policy Forces Pregnant Workers to Choose between a Healthy Pregnancy and a Pink Slip

July 24, 2018
Absence control, Pregnant Workers Fairness, State Laws

Leigha Klopp was pregnant and working at Walmart. One morning, she woke up vomiting blood. She called the store to tell them that she was going to the hospital, on the advice of her obstetrician, and that she would need to miss work. When she returned for her next scheduled shift, Walmart fired her. We filed a class-action lawsuit against Walmart on behalf of Ms. Klopp and another former Walmart employee.

Press Release: Class-Action Lawsuit Alleges Walmart’s Absence Control Policy Discriminates Against Pregnant Workers

July 24, 2018
Pregnant Workers Fairness, State Laws

A Better Balance filed a class-action lawsuit today, challenging Walmart’s “no-fault” absence control policy as systemically violating the rights of women who need leave for pregnancy-related illnesses or medical care. The lawsuit is being brought on behalf of two former Walmart employees and is the first class action brought under New York's Pregnant Worker Fairness Act.

Massachusetts passes Groundbreaking Paid Family and Medical Leave Law

June 28, 2018
Paid Family Leave, State Laws

Massachusetts’s law will begin providing benefits in 2021 and will cover nearly all private sector employees. The law provides 12 weeks of job-protected paid family leave and is the first state in the nation to allow workers to take job-protected paid time off for their own serious health needs.

Supreme Court Issues Limited Ruling in Colorado Wedding Cake Case, Does Not Find a Broad License to Discriminate

June 4, 2018
LGBTQ, State Laws

Despite the narrow decision, this case serves as a keen reminder that we must be vigilant as opponents of LGBTQ equality seek to use religion to discriminate and roll back the rights of LGBTQ people and families.

New Jersey Becomes 10th State to Pass Paid Sick Time!

April 18, 2018
Paid Sick Time, State Laws

In a tremendous victory many years in the making, the New Jersey Senate passed the Earned Sick and Safe Days Act. The law will allow New Jersey workers to earn up to 40 hours of paid sick time per year. Nearly all employers in New Jersey will be subject to the law, regardless of size.