Work and Family

family security promotes economic prosperity

Whether caring for their children, an elderly parent, partner or themselves, all workers occasionally need access to paid time off to look after their own health and that of their loved ones.

Yet 43% of American workers in private firms receive no paid sick days - over 1 million workers in Washington state. One-fourth of workers get no vacation, and 92% get no paid family leave.

In today’s economy, all workers need access to paid sick days for minor illnesses and routine health care needs, and family and medical leave insurance for the handful of times when they need extended time away from work to care for a new baby, a seriously ill family member, or their own critical illness.

Modernizing our workplace standards will pay off for everyone by protecting family economic security, giving children a healthy start in life and promoting family health, promoting business productivity, and improving public health and safety.

Learn more from the Washington Family Leave Coalition website.

Recent Publications and News Highlights

Family Leave Insurance: Security for our families, stimulus for our economy

12.01.2008 | During an economic downturn, Family Leave Insurance is more important than ever. It builds economic security for Washington’s families, gives businesses a new tool for improving productivity, and promotes the health of our children, seniors, and workforce.FUll Report »

Who Can Stay Home with the Flu?

Nearly 4 in 10 private sector workers lack even one paid sick day, and many more face disciplinary action if they do call in sick. In a world where diseases mutate and spread across the globe in weeks, Americans need paid sick days to protect our health and our economy. Policy Brief »

Year-End Update

12.17.2009 | H1N1 and the recession have focused public attention on the need for new policies that enable all workers to take time off to care for themselves and their families - without undermining family economic security. Here's what's going on in Washington state and around the country.

Full Newsletter »

Profile

Selena Allen's doctor said her son Connor was due in May, but he arrived unexpectedly in early April, and faced serious medical issues.Read Selena's story »

Our National Priorities

EOI and Washington’s Family Leave Coalition are part of a national movement to modernize workplace standards to reflect the realities of today’s workforce and create policies that truly value families. EOI was a founding member of the Valuing Families @ Work Multistate Consortium and of the national Work and Family Collaborative. Full Report »

Policy Focus

Keeping your job while you care for your family

How Family Leave Insurance will promote stronger families and better business in Washington.

Preserving federal standards for family leave

Washington's Family and Medical Leave Act preserves important rights for workers - regardless of federal changes.

Your paid leave, your family

The Family Care Act means employees in Washington can use paid time off to care for family.

Earning paid sick days keeps bodies - and bottom lines - healthy

43% of workers in private firms receive no paid sick days - over 1 million workers in Washington State.

Staff Contact

Marilyn Watkins »

Building an economy that works. For everyone.