The shortcomings of Paid Family Leave (PFL) and paid sick time in the United States have become increasingly apparent in the wake of the COVID pandemic. Young people like Torrey, a 19-year-old student and community assistant on her college campus in New York, highlight the issue. After contracting COVID and returning to work out of financial necessity. She shared her experience, highlighting the significance of having paid time off when ill. Her situation echoes that of many young workers who, despite being an overlooked demographic regarding PFL and paid sick time in the US, are greatly impacted by the lack of these policies.

Carmen McCoy, a legal fellow with A Better Balance, a national legal advocacy organization, mentions, “Twenty-eight million workers in the United States still lack access to even a single day of paid sick time. A 2023 survey conducted by Paid Leave for All and Lake Research Partners shows a substantial need for such policies with voters overwhelmingly supporting them.

The lack of paid leave not only affects young workers financially but also in terms of gender and racial justice. Young people of color are disproportionately denied access to PFL, creating inequity. PFL refers to longer-term leave for various reasons including health needs, caregiving, or bonding with a new child. Paid sick time refers to shorter-term needs and is accrued over time, rewarding workers for their dedication.

However, the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) only provides 12 weeks of unpaid leave which is insufficient for young workers, particularly those with part-time positions who may not qualify for FMLA, leaving a crippling fear of financial ruin.

Kathy Tran, former senior policy analyst on the youth team at the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), advocates for young workers. She highlights the need for advocacy spaces to address young workers’ needs noting that young workers often bear significant responsibilities beyond themselves. Many are parents, caregivers, or have significant health needs. Despite their significant responsibilities, they must navigate the complex world of employment policies on their own, with many unsure about their rights due to minimal interaction with human resources.

Ashley, a 25-year-old working in the automotive-finance industry, emphasizes the importance of having paid sick leave and PFL. “Having access to that sick time is essential, she says. “I don’t think I’d be able to keep my job and be able to do that. Ashley believes that access to paid leave allows her to care for herself and her family while also maintaining her career progress.

The fight to extend paid leave continues to gain traction across the United States. For further information and resources on your rights and how to seek paid leave, McCoy recommends A Better Balance’s Workplace Rights Hub and the group’s free and confidential helpline.

For those who need assistance related to unemployment services or Paid Family Leave in California, eddcaller.com offers invaluable help by providing a faster way of reaching a live representative. The platform provides important contact details, guidance, and resources to help navigate through EDD services and processes. How to get a hold of Paid Family Leave is a common question, and eddcaller.com seeks to provide answers and help users overcome the typical obstacles encountered when dealing with unemployment offices.