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JOB QUALITY NEWSLETTER
JULY 2020

Protecting Workers through Publicity: Promoting Workplace Law Compliance through Strategic Communication

CLASP and the Harvard Law School Labor and Worklife Program just released a new toolkit on strategic communication, a critical component of driving employer compliance with workplace laws. Communicating about agency enforcement is critical to informing the public about their rights and responsibilities, along with being one of the most effective ways to deter violations. These goals are more important than ever as labor enforcement agencies strive to protect workers during the coronavirus pandemic. This resource addresses why agencies should use media and how to do so. In a moment of reduced state budgets and limited resources, media coverage and strategic communications are a cost-effective way for agencies to multiply their impact and inform workers of new rights.

Disastrous Jobs Report Underscores Need for Protection and Relief

This fact sheet analyzes the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ April jobs report and describes how the economic downturn has harmed workers paid low wages and workers of color. The analysis stresses the need for relief and protection for these communities, many of whom have continued to be left out despite overall gains in employment.

10 Things You Should Know about Coronavirus Paid Sick and Family Leave Rights

For the first time, Congress granted millions of workers a right to federal emergency paid sick and family leave. However, recent polling indicates that Americans are largely unaware of these rights — and a staggering amount aren’t using them. CLASP has compiled the key points on what workers should know about their new federal leave rights.

Our Latest Resources

JULY 2020 | EMMA WILLIAMSON

Seattle PSST for Gig Workers - Updated Amended and New State and Local Laws and Guidance on Paid Sick Days in Response to COVID-19

In early June, the Seattle City Council unanimously passed a temporary Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) law that will provide paid sick days for “gig workers” in food delivery and ride-share companies. In general, workers will receive one day of PSST for every 30 days they work. CLASP was pleased to consult with Seattle on this groundbreaking new law. We have also updated our resource tracking states and localities across the country that have added or expanded paid sick days laws and guidance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

MAY 2020 | TANYA GOLDMAN

U.S. DOL Regulation and Guidance on FFCRA's Paid Sick Days and Paid Leave Provisions

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a Temporary Rule: Paid Leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, effective April 2 - December 31, 2020. This fact sheet provides additional information about the impact of DOL’s guidance and temporary regulation on employees’ rights to paid sick days and paid family leave.

APRIL 2020 | ADEWALE MAYE

Like the COVID-19 Pandemic, The Climate Crisis Will Hurt Marginalized Communities the Most

Due to systemic inequities in our health and economic systems, marginalized communities have disproportionately experienced the most severe consequences from the COVID-19 pandemic. This blog explains how the climate crisis poses a similar threat to these communities with even greater economic and human health implications.

Job Quality and Pride Month

In celebration and solidarity with Pride month, our team has released two blogs from Tanya Goldman and our new Hunger Fellow, Emma Williamson.

Tanya Goldman’s blog celebrates the Supreme Court’s recent decision to provide critical anti-discrimination protections to over 8 million LGBTQ+ individuals. Goldman argues much more work needs to be done to prevent race and sex discrimination in the workplace as a barrier to equal access to jobs, equitable pay, housing, and health care.

Emma Williamson's blog reflects on how inclusive family definitions in policies can work to ensure that the LBGTQ+ community is receiving equal access to programs that help protect workers and families from falling into poverty. All workers regardless of race, sex, or gender identity deserve the right to work free from all forms of retaliation, discrimination, or unequal treatment that pose as barriers to economic security.

CLASP in the Media

JUNE 2020 | THE NEW YORK TIMES

Pandemic Paid Leave Is Available: Why Some Parents Aren’t Taking It

MAY 2020 | NEW AMERICA

Crisis Conversations — Live From Better Life Lab (Session X)

MAY 2020 | CHICAGO WORKERS' COLLABORATIVE

#ProtectILTemps Live Web Talks - Families First Act - Chicago Workers’ Collaborative and CLASP

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Additional Resources

JUNE 2020 | PAID LEAVE FOR ALL

Paid Leave for All Know Your Rights Video

While millions of workers were cut out of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, millions are still covered. This video by the Paid Leave for All campaign (available in English and Spanish) outlines the paid leave rights for eligible workers.

MAY 2020 | OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR PLANNING AND EVALUATION

Low-Income Workers' Eligibility for Emergency Paid Family Leave

This brief by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation estimates eligibility for the emergency paid family leave program under different participation scenarios. It provides information to human services organizations and others about the potential benefits of outreach to parents with lower incomes and their employers.

MAY 2020 | WASHINGTON CENTER FOR EQUITABLE GROWTH

Unboxing Scheduling Practices for U.S. Warehouse Workers

The Washington Center for Equitable Growth’s new report describes how scheduling intersects with other dimensions of job quality and charts a path for researchers hoping to help warehouse workers who suddenly find themselves on the frontlines of the pandemic.

MAY 2020 | CENTER FOR SCIENCE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST

Essential but Excluded: Why Food Sector Workers Need Paid Sick Leave in the Context of COVID-19

This fact sheet by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) highlights that 9.7 million food sector workers remain excluded from COVID-19 emergency paid leave provisions passed by Congress and outlines why paid sick leave is critical for these workers.