Today, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) introduced the Flexibility for Working Families Act, which would ensure that workers are able to request schedule modifications to balance the demands of their jobs and their home life without fear of retaliation. This legislation would guarantee workers the right to request temporary or permanent changes to the number of hours they are required to work, the times when they are required to work or be on notice, where they are required to work, and notifications of schedule assignments.
Our recent report,”Our Crisis of Care: Supporting Women and Caregivers During the Pandemic and Beyond,” found that workers, especially low-wage women of color with caregiving obligations, routinely face blowback for even requesting schedule adjustments. As we build back better, in the wake of a dual economic and health crisis that has clearly shown the need for more supportive work-family policies, this legislation will provide much-needed relief and flexibility for workers.
As our Co-Founder and Co-President Dina Bakst said in a statement:
“Ensuring that workers can request flexible work without penalty is more crucial than ever, as millions of workers face barriers to flexibility and are forced to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for their loved ones. A new report by A Better Balance clearly shows that workers, especially low-wage women of color with caregiving responsibilities, routinely face blowback for even requesting a modest adjustment to their hours or schedules. On the heels of a global pandemic that has forced millions of women out of the workforce, Congresswoman Maloney’s Flexibility for Working Families Act is a crucial piece of legislation to help America build back better and allow our families to thrive.”
Thank you, Rep. Maloney, for championing the needs of working families with this urgently needed piece of legislation.
