waworkfam

The US needs paid family leave — for the sake of its future

In this incisive talk, Jessica Shortall makes the impassioned case that the reality of new working motherhood in America is both hidden and horrible: millions of women, every year, are forced back to work within just weeks of giving birth. Her idea worth spreading: the time has come for us to recognize the economic, physicalContinue reading “The US needs paid family leave — for the sake of its future”

State Representative Jessyn Farrell: Help pregnant women stay in the workforce

[Via The Seattle Times] As a working mom to three young kids, I was fortunate to have a job that allowed me to make the changes I needed to stay on the job during my pregnancies. As a legislator, though, I know that not all women are so fortunate [“Accommodating pregnant workers is key stepContinue reading “State Representative Jessyn Farrell: Help pregnant women stay in the workforce”

URGENT: Act now for a strong Pregnant Worker Fairness Act

One of every 10 babies born in Washington now are low birth weight or premature. State legislators are close to passing a Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (ESSB 6149), which will help more babies arrive healthy and thriving by ensuring reasonable workplace accommodations for pregnant women. Unfortunately, some special-interest groups are trying to weaken the billContinue reading “URGENT: Act now for a strong Pregnant Worker Fairness Act”