One of the core issues in my campaign is the introduction of Family Care Days (FCDs)—a proposal that would give every Stations employee bi-monthly accrued Family Care Days (6 per year), specifically for tending to sick dependents, attending their medical appointments, and supporting the active labor of children. These FCDs would not be deducted from your personal or sick leave, ensuring that your ability to care for your family doesn’t come at the cost of your personal time or health.

Why FCD’S Matter

• Supporting Dependents Without Sacrificing Pay: Many of us have faced the difficult decision of using our personal or sick leave to care for our children, aging parents, or other dependents. These situations can arise suddenly, and we shouldn’t have to choose between caring for our loved ones and losing pay or personal time. Family Care Days would give us dedicated time off for these important responsibilities without reducing our leave balance.

• Work-Life Balance: Balancing work and family obligations can be overwhelming, especially for parents or those caring for elderly or sick relatives. According to a report from the AARP, 60% of working caregivers say their job responsibilities interfere with their ability to provide care for family members . Having dedicated FCDs can ease that burden, ensuring that you have the flexibility to manage your work-life balance more effectively without added stress.

• Reducing Caregiver Burnout: For those of us caring for sick dependents, the emotional and physical toll can be significant. Studies show that caregivers are twice as likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and depression due to the stress and demands of caregiving . FCDs would provide much-needed time to focus on your loved ones while reducing the risk of burnout and supporting your own health.

• Supporting Parents in Labor: Whether you’re a father, mother, or supporting partner, being present during the active labor of your child’s birth is a priceless moment. Family Care Days ensure that this important life event doesn’t force you to tap into your sick leave or unpaid time off, giving you the chance to support your family when they need it most.

The Economic and Social Impact

• Not Deducted from Sick/Personal Leave: One of the most crucial aspects of this proposal is that Family Care Days will not be deducted from your existing sick or personal leave. You will still have your sick days available when you need them for your own health, while FCDs provide a separate, dedicated pool of time to care for others. This prevents the depletion of your personal leave when emergencies arise with your loved ones.

• Workplace Flexibility Benefits Everyone: Companies and organizations that offer flexible leave policies, such as Family Care Days, see higher employee satisfaction and retention rates. Employees with caregiving responsibilities are more likely to stay with employers who provide the flexibility to balance their work and personal lives . This proposal would also position our union as a leader in promoting work-life balance, making our workplace more supportive and attractive to both current members and new recruits.

It’s Time to Prioritize Families

As Stations employees, we work hard to keep the city running. But we also have responsibilities at home that require our time and attention. Family Care Days are about recognizing that balance and making it easier for us to fulfill our duties as caregivers without fear of losing pay, personal leave or our well-being.

This initiative would provide 6 Family Care Days per year, giving you the flexibility to address your family's health needs, from doctor’s appointments to unexpected illnesses, without compromising your own well-being. It’s a win-win—allowing us to be there for our loved ones while maintaining the quality of service we provide every day.

By supporting this initiative, we are ensuring that the union reflects the realities of modern life—where balancing work and caregiving is not a luxury but a necessity. Your family’s health and well-being matter, and with Family Care Days, you’ll have the support you need to care for them without sacrificing your job security or your own health. Let’s make this change for a better, more balanced future.