1 in 4 women go back to work less than 2 weeks after giving birth because the vast majority of Americans (86%) have no paid leave.
The United States is one of the few nations in the world that doesn’t give its workers paid leave.
Katie Bethell, the Executive Director of Paid Leave US is trying to change that. In this episode Diana and Katie discuss the importance of paid leave, why it is necessary not only for parents to bond with their babies but for people to be able to care for loved ones due to sickness, or to take care of themselves.
They also discuss the report by Georgetown University’s Center on Poverty and Inequality titled “The Paid Leave Family and Medical Leave Opportunity: What Research Tells Us About Designing a Paid Leave Program that Works for All” which Paid Leave US funded.
Spoiler alert: the report recommends WAY more than the typical 12 weeks being offered in many states in the United States… listen to find out what the magic number is!
Listen to the episode and make sure to sign up for updates from Paid Leave US.
LISTEN TO DIANA AND KATIE’S CONVO ON PAID LEAVE HERE!
Paid Leave US stresses that paid leave must be available to ALL WORKERS, including part time workers, low wage workers, and those in the gig economy.
Will the USA be able to pass a federal paid leave policy that protects all workers by 2022? That’s Paid Leave US’ goal.
Katie and Diana discuss how we can change the narrative and make paid leave a reality for all workers in the United States by 2022.
The also discuss what the problem is with Republican proposals that suggest workers dip into their social security funds to fund for bonding time.
Tell us, do you live in a state (currently 8 states and District of Columbia!) who offers paid leave to its workers? Share in the comments below!
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[…] Paid Leave US works to make paid leave a reality as federal policy. Katie Bethell, its founder, wants you to know that this is not a pie in the sky: this is the moment when we have the momentum to make it happen! You can listen to more of my conversation with Katie on Parenting and Politics here. […]