January 25, 2024

Law360 Quotes Senior Associate Alex Berke in Article Covering Gov. Hochul’s Recent Proposal to Initiate Prenatal Leave

Law 360 covers the recent proposal by Governor Hochul to expand New York State’s paid family leave policy and provide time off for prenatal medical appointments and care. Senior Associate Alex Berke shared her thoughts on the benefits this policy would have with the article’s author, Anne Cullen. The article highlights other recent steps taken to cater towards pregnancy-related workplace protections and describes the importance this policy could have as a catalyst for reforms in other states. Ms. Berke believes the implementation of is policy would be a smooth transition for employees and employers alike. For employees, the process would not prove too difficult as it would resemble the established paid family leave process, and since the compensation could be deducted through payroll, “it’s not an insurmountable ask for employers.” Click here to read the full article and learn more about the proposed changes. 

Is the Third Stimulus the Beginning of a Guaranteed Family Income?

March 11, 2021
Gender Discrimination
Tucked into 2021’s $1.9 trillion stimulus package is a provision that could have life-changing effects for families with children: an expansion and reworking of the child tax credit. Championed solo for nearly two decades by Representative Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the idea to expand the child tax credit has gained a new lease on life and more admirers as the pandemic and lockdowns have had a deleterious impact on families and children.

“She-cession” Global, Not Local

March 10, 2021
Gender Discrimination
Whether it is increasing the number of hours spent working, picking up the slack in domestic life, being forced to quit to take care of children or other family, or leaving the job market entirely, women in the US have taken the brunt of the pandemic’s resulting economic crisis, so much so that it has been dubbed the first “she-cession.” The Financial Times has released a survey demonstrating that this is an issue for women internationally, not just in the United States.

Alex Berke Quoted in New York Times Article on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

March 5, 2021
Pregnancy Discrimination
The pandemic may be creating a path for the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which was first introduced in 2012 to become law. This law will help clarify and define the rights of women to receive accommodations in the workplace.

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