2025 threw many curveballs at working families – and those of us fighting for their rights. But here’s what stayed true: connection matters, progress is possible, and the work we do together makes a real difference. We found significant moments of hope in this hard year – a worker who kept their job, a new protection signed into law, a community organizer equipped to help their neighbor apply for paid leave. These wins remind us why we do this work – and that we can still move the needle, even now.
We made a promise at the start of this year: to keep building power for working families in communities across the country. Here’s how our team is delivering:
Training thousands of local champions.
This year, WorkLife Law trained nearly 4,000 community leaders, including community health workers, campus administrators, and grassroots organizers. These advocates will help workers in their communities access health protections in pregnancy, paid family and medical leave, and support for caring for aging and disabled family members.
Setting strong legal precedent that will protect workers for decades.
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and PUMP Act are now in their second year, and every case decided today shapes how these laws will work for years to come. Our small but mighty team provided intensive litigation assistance to WorkLife Law’s growing attorney network. We’ve now directly supported cases in 31 states, multiplying our impact so that lessons learned in one courtroom shape strategy in the next.
Building new legal rights at the state level.
Family caregivers now have employment protections against discrimination in over 260 state and local jurisdictions, including Illinois. We expect more to follow as our new model policy and toolkit continues to have an impact. And we’ve celebrated the continued spread of paid lactation break laws, including new or improved protections in Washington, Illinois, and Puerto Rico.
Expanding our free legal helpline.
We added a full-time attorney to our free legal helpline as demand continues to surge. With federal enforcement on the chopping block, our team is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with family caregivers and pregnant workers and students who are fighting to keep their jobs, stay in school, or access paid leave. As always, our services are free to anyone who needs them.
In 2026 you’ll continue to find us working at every level—from the trenches alongside grassroots partners to stage agencies and federal courts—securing new legal rights and ensuring people in vulnerable communities can actually use them. Our momentum will continue to build, powered by you—our dedicated supporters and allies.
Thank you for every insight you’ve shared, encouraging email you’ve sent, and dollar you’ve contributed. We feel so very fortunate to have you in our corner.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season.
Jess & Liz
Co-Directors of WorkLife Law