At the University of California’s Hastings School of Law, alma mater of Vice President Kamala Harris, the members of the Center for WorkLife Law have been working 24/7 since the pandemic began trying to provide advice to parents on how to manage with this brave new world of remote learning, shuttered schools, and social distancing which means restricted access to child care assistance.
In a very helpful interview with experts at the Center, the New York Times has published an explainer with some of the most important things parents need to know when handling the work/family balance. There are explanations about what can be considered illegal discrimination by companies trying to prevent workers from engaging in childcare duties while at work, who is entitled to time off if schools close, and whether companies must make accommodations for breast feeding.
Although the article provides helpful information about a variety of circumstances and issues, every state has different statutory situations and with the legal situation shifting day by day, many answers might be right today and insufficient tomorrow. That’s why we recommend contacting us if you work in New York and have questions about whether you are being treated differently due to your parenting responsibilities.
