Legislation Will Allow Workers to Request Modified Schedules from Employers Without Fear of Retaliation
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) today introduced the Working Families Flexibility Act which will ensure that working Americans can ask their employer for modified schedules so they can balance the demands of their jobs and their home life.
“In the current economic environment, it is increasingly difficult for Pennsylvanians to balance the demands of work and family,” said Senator Casey. “This bill will help businesses benefit from more productive employees and empower workers with the knowledge of what arrangements are possible to accommodate their family life.”
“It’s time for employers and the government to recognize the 21st Century needs of families -- to help raise kids or care for aging parents -- more effectively," Rep. Maloney said. "Flexible work arrangements are a win-win for employers and employees. Workplace flexibility has been shown to help businesses retain good workers and help employees juggle the demands of the way we live now."”
The Working Families Flexibility Act will allow employers and employees to engage in constructive dialogue over modifying where and when employees work so they can find the best solutions to the work-life challenges they face.
This legislation builds on strategies used by the most successful companies, which have realized that happy employees tend to be more productive employees.
Under the legislation, an employee may request to modify his or her hours, schedule, or work location. Employees who make requests are protected from retaliation, and employers who deny a request must explain the grounds for denial.
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