New California Bill Supports Mothers of All Races

This week we highlight California

for a New Bill

to Save Mothers from Bias-Related Deaths

It's scary to become a mom in the U.S. We have the highest maternity mortality rate among all developed countries. And black mothers are three to four times more likely to perish here than their white counterparts. Bias, it seems, is literally killing our nation's mothers. 

This week, California took a step toward saving these precious lives. Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill No. 464, requiring "implicit bias training for all health care providers working in perinatal services."

Finally. This is what progress looks like.

For more information on SB 464, and your rights provided in the California Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act, visit the California Legislature website.

#SB464

Member Stories: BEREAVEMENT LEAVE

This week we're highlighting the need for
Bereavement Leave.

What is bereavement leave and why do we need it? We talked with fellow Guild members Nathan and Greg to find out:

When Cartoon Network designer Nathan lost his father, he needed time to grieve and settle family affairs. Instead, he discovered that his studio doesn’t offer bereavement days and that bereavement isn’t even mentioned in our contract. Nathan’s only option was to use his own sick days and vacation days to help his family – and hope that he himself didn’t fall ill or need a break for the rest of the year. This added stress to an already difficult time.

 Some studios prioritize employee welfare with added benefits that help members thrive.

Fox director Greg had a different experience. When his beloved grandmother passed away, he discovered that his studio offers five paid bereavement days. Benefits like these cost the studio very little, but have huge value to families in need. The discrepancies between individual member experiences, like Nathan's and Greg's, demonstrate a need for change. 

We need to negotiate a benefits package

that everyone can count on.

Read more Member Stories in THE PEGBOARD, pages 12-13.

#negotiations2018 #bereavement #animationisfamily