Image courtesy of Mothering Justice
As federal paid sick leave protections from the Trump administration’s pandemic-era policies have long expired, House Republicans in Michigan are now pushing sweeping exemptions to the state’s Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA). The proposed amendments, which would exclude small businesses, seasonal workers, and nonprofit employees, could leave thousands without paid sick leave, drawing sharp criticism from labor advocates like Mothering Justice and the MI Time to Care Coalition come February 21st.
Danielle Atkinson, National Executive Director and Founder of Mothering Justice condemned the proposal, calling it a direct attack on Michigan families.
“The House Republicans’ proposal creates a devastating reality where a mother’s right to care for her sick child depends on where she works. This is unacceptable,” Atkinson said.
“Illness doesn’t check the size of your workplace before it strikes a family. Our elected officials must reject these harmful amendments and implement ESTA as scheduled on February 21st.”
According to the Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS), these changes result from a July 2024 opinion by the Michigan Supreme Court in Mothering Justice v. Attorney General, which upheld voter initiative petitions on paid sick leave and minimum wage. The Court held the Legislature’s “adopt-and amend” actions on the petitions in 2018 violated the people’s right to propose and enact laws through the initiative process and ordered the proposals take effect as originally adopted.
The Republican proposal raises serious concerns that affect many families. It puts parents in a tough situation, forcing them to choose between taking care of their sick children and managing their financial responsibilities. This dilemma is both challenging and painful for those who have to face it.
Atkinson emphasized the lack of attention paid to the care economy and the vital role of mothers and caregivers in economic stability. She noted the internalized oppression that leads some to believe their bad jobs are their fault, rather than recognizing their entitlement to time off.
This creates a moral quandary where love for one’s child clashes with the necessity of paying bills, leaving many to navigate a labyrinth of difficult choices. The absence of paid leave can lead to dangerous public health consequences, as parents may feel forced to send their sick children to school or daycare, transforming classrooms into breeding grounds for illness. This situation not only jeopardizes the health of individual children but poses a wider risk to the community as a whole.
The ramifications of this proposal hit hardest on women, particularly mothers, who make up a significant portion of the nonprofit workforce. This policy risks exacerbating existing inequalities, placing even greater strain on those striving to balance their professional duties with familial obligations.
State Representative Donavan McKinney vividly remembers a conversation with a new mother he encountered shortly after she had given birth. Yet, in a stark reminder of the relentless pace of modern life related to the working class, she revealed that she was already preparing to return to work within days of her delivery. The tension between caring for her newborn and the pressure of workplace expectations painted an unfair picture of many mothers’ challenges.
State Rep. McKinney felt the weight of her situation, a heartbreaking testament to the sacrifices many women are compelled to make as they juggle the monumental changes of becoming a parent alongside their professional responsibilities.
“You need an opportunity to bond with your little one, your child you just gave birth to, and to have that taken away, especially for moms and dads alike. That is absurd to me, and that needs to change, and that’s why I’m a big proponent for paid family sick leave,” McKinney said.
Advocates urge lawmakers to uphold the original ESTA provisions, ensuring that all Michigan workers, regardless of employer size or sector, have the right to care for themselves and their families without financial hardship.
Atkinson highlighted the lack of attention paid to the care economy and the vital role of mothers and caregivers in economic stability. She noted the internalized oppression that leads some to believe their bad jobs are their fault rather than recognizing their entitlement to time off.
Navigating legislative changes and the influence of money in politics are apparent challenges. State Rep. McKinney shared how his district’s low-income might not get the attention it needs from Lansing. Still, it’s necessary and makes it difficult for constituents to engage, as they often work double to make ends meet or deal with personal crises.
“People get bought. The money is talking, and it’s changing many people’s mindsets. It’s the oligarchy right now, where the very few with resources control the politics of the day, and that is so unfair,” McKinney said.
“But this is people’s livelihood. This is life and death and opportunities for survival and uplifting on the issue.”
Atkinson emphasized the importance of finding a “political home” and responding quickly to alerts about threats to rights and policies. Looking ahead, the group plans to host a national “State of the Mama” event and a conversation with lawmakers and service providers about issues impacting families, including the recent tragedies of children passing away.
“Mothering justice is one, Detroit Action, Michigan united,” Atkinson said.
“These are organizations that can help you navigate through the mis and disinformation, and they have your core values in line, unbought, and unbothered. My only political ambition is the quality of life for families.”
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