As much as we may want to keep them separate, “work” and “life” are often intertwined in inextricable ways. Whether it’s needing to care for a family member, responding to an emergency, or finding time for a crucial appointment, we all inevitably face interruptions in our life with the potential to keep us from work. As a mom, I’ve been in countless situations like these throughout my career. Most of us have.
In our state, millions of Iower-paid Illinoisans were granted zero days of guaranteed paid leave from their employers. When life interrupted work, these workers were presented with a choice: delay taking the necessary time to care for personal and familial needs or take the time off without pay, potentially jeopardizing their employment and family stability. This harsh and unjust predicament needed to change.
