While family responsibilities discrimination (FRD) is currently illegal under an array of state and federal laws, to date only two states and a number of localities prohibit it explicitly.  FRD is a widespread and costly problem for employers and employees alike.  As a result, policymakers and advocates in several states have begun to propose state legislation to address the issue. 

As the leading voice in documenting FRD, WorkLife Law (WLL) provides information and technical guidance to ensure that public policy efforts to address FRD are workable for both employees and employers and consistent with existing law.  WLL neither sponsors nor lobbies for any particular legislation.  Instead, we provide information about the problem of FRD and the costs associated with it.  We also compile information on case law and existing state and local laws related to FRD, and track FRD legislation proposed by state policymakers.

WLL believes that to be effective, any public policy effort to address FRD should both prevent unfair caregiver discrimination against workers and provide clarity to allow employers to meet their business needs without running afoul of the law. 

Technical Guidance

WLL’s work with employers and employees gives us a unique 360 degree perspective on the problem of FRD, allowing us to provide feedback to those pursuing public policy efforts to make them workable and fair.  Direct technical guidance to state policymakers is provided by our experienced attorneys, some of whom have represented employers, and some of whom have represented employees or unions.  For more information and assistance, contact Stephanie Bornstein at StephanieBornstein at worklifelaw dot org.