WASHINGTON – Dawn Huckelbridge, Director of the Paid Leave for All campaign, issued the following statement today in support of New York State Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit challenging the US Department of Labor’s recent paid leave rule.
“The Labor Department’s decision to block the majority of American workers from the paid sick and family leave Congress approved in March is not only wrongheaded and cruel, it is illegal. Instead of expanding necessary leave policies during the pandemic, DOL cut out millions of the frontline workers and first responders from qualifying for the benefit when they are among those who need it most.
“We are grateful to New York Attorney General Letitia James for filing this lawsuit challenging DOL’s rule. It is inexcusable that the DOL would somehow misinterpret Congress’ will at a time like this to deny millions of Americans – especially those most vulnerable – from accessing a critical policy that is essential to stopping the spread of COVID-19.”
The Paid Leave for All campaign is a growing collaborative of organizations fighting for paid family and medical leave for all working people.
For more information on the Paid Leave for All campaign, visit https://paidleaveforall.org/.