basquebromance
Diamond Member
- Nov 26, 2015
- 109,396
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- #1
Abortion: it’s a topic unions shy away from. The logic is, why go there? You might alienate conservative workers who otherwise share your workplace concerns.
And it’s true, you might — though the issue is not as divisive as the GOP makes it out to be. A solid 61 percent of US adults are pro-choice. Among those aged eighteen to twenty-nine, it’s 74 percent.
It’s good to see unions begin to overcome this fear and take a stand — because, contrary to the narrative, abortion is a labor issue
How so? For one thing, workers who get pregnant are penalized at work.
Pregnancy discrimination is very real. Many jobs make it tough to get light duty or accommodations. And parenthood brings the “mommy tax” — a lifetime loss of income for women who have children, thanks to stingy parental leave and unaffordable childcare.
Missed opportunities, resumé gaps, reduced work hours — all these impinge on women’s equality at work, not to mention their union participation.
Labor must fight to change all that; even a wanted parenthood shouldn’t carry such steep penalties. But the current reality is that forced pregnancy will absolutely harm workers at work
And it’s true, you might — though the issue is not as divisive as the GOP makes it out to be. A solid 61 percent of US adults are pro-choice. Among those aged eighteen to twenty-nine, it’s 74 percent.
It’s good to see unions begin to overcome this fear and take a stand — because, contrary to the narrative, abortion is a labor issue
How so? For one thing, workers who get pregnant are penalized at work.
Pregnancy discrimination is very real. Many jobs make it tough to get light duty or accommodations. And parenthood brings the “mommy tax” — a lifetime loss of income for women who have children, thanks to stingy parental leave and unaffordable childcare.
Missed opportunities, resumé gaps, reduced work hours — all these impinge on women’s equality at work, not to mention their union participation.
Labor must fight to change all that; even a wanted parenthood shouldn’t carry such steep penalties. But the current reality is that forced pregnancy will absolutely harm workers at work
What Can Unions Do Now to Defend Abortion Rights?
The Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health on June 24 overturned the Roe v. Wade precedent, erasing the constitutional right to an abortion. Already for years, large parts of the U.S. have severely restricted abortion—especially hurting those least likely to have resources...
labornotes.org