Seven Shocking Facts About 21st Century Workplaces

A new short play released by Family Values @ Work shows why work doesn't work for too many Americans.

1. This is America — you have every right to stay home when you're sick.

You just don't have a right to get paid or keep your job while doing it. (0:10)

2. Many employers treat paternity leave like a joke.

“Husband staying home with a new baby for three months? What, are you writing a novel? No, we need you back at work." (1:51)

3. The tipped minimum wage has been frozen at $2.13/hour for the past 20 years.

"My $2.13 minimum wage goes all to taxes; I can't make a living off tips." (2:28)

4. Being a responsible parent can cost you your job.

“Tip for working parents – make sure your kids only get sick on weekends or your days off." (2:33)

5. Even the basic laws we do have are narrowly-written.

"The rules say that the definition of family under the Family and Medical Leave Act doesn't include siblings, grandparents or same-sex partners." (3:05)

6. Rather than lose a day’s wages, workers often come to work sick, endangering other employees and the public.

"There was a health scare in our town after a server had to work with what turned out the be Hepatitis B and we all had to get a vaccine." (3:39)

7. The minimum wage continues to lose value.

In 2014 alone, the minimum wage will lose 1.7% of its value, or $250 for a full-time worker, enough to pay for a month of groceries. According to a study by the Center for Economic and Policy Research, the minimum wage would be $21.72 an hour if it kept pace with worker productivity. (4:22)

Work doesn't work for too many Americans.

We need to change the rules to fit the 21st century. And we need to stop thinking we're on our own and find the changemakers — people acting together, people like us acting together. For more information on how you can get involved, visit www.familyvaluesatwork.org.