First Shift Justice Project

Lack of respect for caregivers in the workplace often leads to job loss and extended periods of unemployment. It affects caregivers across all income levels but has a disproportionate impact on women of color in low-wage jobs, the majority of whom are primary breadwinners for their families. First Shift works with them to assert their rights, stay employed, and maintain their health by fighting discrimination, obtaining workplace accommodations, accessing job-protected leave and DC paid-leave insurance. From Know Your Rights workshops and legal representation, to training and advice for medical providers about employment laws relevant to patient care, to legislative advocacy, First Shift is also at ground zero for COVID recovery in DC, supporting mothers in exercising workplace rights that help them meet both work and caregiving obligations as they return to employment and get their families back on track to economic stability.