What are you hearing about or planning for the Women's Strike on March 8th?
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Not much talk about it here. Daycare hasn't mentioned anything, and due to the nature of my job, I really can't take the day off for the strike. I'd only take off if DD can't go to school. I'd probably do it if I worked in the private sector, though.
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This is the first I am hearing of the strike. I don't have red to wear in support, but can rock hot pink instead. I loved seeing the Congress women in white at Trump's address.
ETA: I will go to work that day.
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I heard about it through Facebook but don't see the strike making much impact on the minds of anyone not already aligned with the cause. I think my day-to-day work does more to advance women's issues than I imagine the strike will, so I'll be working as usual.
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I'm kind of torn about this. My company is actually very women-friendly (most of my coworkers are women, we get 16 weeks paid maternity leave, etc.) so it kind of feels like I would be punishing the wrong people if that makes sense?
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I hadn't heard of the strike until now. I don't think it will really matter if I strike since I work from home. Plus, if I strike at home, then I would have to do more chores the next day. lol I will support the women who choose to strike so that I will contribute in some way.
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I heard about it and in some ways would like to participate but... I also work in at a great company surrounded by strong women and not being here and forcing them to make up for my work doesn't make sense to me.
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@MrsSCB: I'm in a similar position. Our leave isn't great but unofficially they are really flexible and supportive of making things work for families. I chose this mind numbingly boring job so I could have better balance --> which reflects on the working mother in general but that isn't my job's fault.
DH is encouraging me to strike which is nice but he also said he'd be furious if either of our childcare providers went on strike. Obviously that would be more impactful. I just don't see them doing it.
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@Corduroy: Same, I never have to take PTO for appointments for me or my son. And often if he's sick, I can "work from home." My boss is fully aware that I get way less done, but she's actually said she prefers that I be somewhat available rather than take a day off. And I'm cool with not using up my vacation days. I honestly kinda want a new job, but I know it would be really hard to find one with the same flexibility/benefits.
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I work for a very small company, it's just my two bosses who are husband and wife, and me. They consider me and my family to be their family and not only accept but expect that my family comes first and never bat an eye at sick kids, doctor appointments, or even vacation time. Striking would be silly in my shoes.
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I agree with the ideals, but don't really feel like a strike helps to further any of them. Judging by the reaction to a day without immigrants, I think a strike has the potential to further damage the perception of the cause.
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I won't be taking the day off of work, but I read that it also includes abstaining from domestic work...count me in on that part
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I am striking. But I also work in a male dominated field where I get treated like an idiot frequently because I am female. I don't think anyone will even understand the impact, so it's kind of worthless, but the principle of it is something I feel strongly about.
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I'm not entirely sure this is going to accomplish what the organizers think it will accomplish. I feel like it has great potential to backfire. We do better to move the women's movement forward by showing up, doing our job, and proving that we're valuable. Sitting out and forcing them to "miss us" is just going to piss people off.
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@littlebug: I completely agree.
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I'm interested to hear from any teachers. I joined a local group coming out of the Women's March and the group ended up being almost all teachers. Any teachers hear anything?
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As a SS educator I am conflicted because I understand the impact of a large scale strike, but my daily work is dedicated towards raising a next generation of progressive thinkers, so.... striking seems counter-intuitive.
Also, it would burden my female admin & secretary, and there would most likely be a female sub for me (though, ideally, ALL of them would be striking too!). Any other teachers in the same boat?
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@Corduroy: see my reply right above, haha
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@Mrs. Cereal:
What are you planning on doing on that day?
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For my career job, I WFH and really work for myself, so it's only our family who will be impacted...but I will try not to do any work that day. As for my main job as a SAHM, I will do it all because not doing it would just mean more work for my husband, who does more than his fair share of 2nd shift stuff.
I will refrain from spending money, though, and I will wear red (this part of it is news to me but sounds good!)
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I still haven't decided if I will work on the 8th. I did reach out to my company's women's leadership organization for more information. I'm curious to see if they have anything to say and/or wonder if how much they impact company policy and culture.
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@corduroy: I'm a special ed teacher for kids with severe autism. I am supportive of the ideals of the strike, but I can't in good conscience impact my students and families by not showing up for work. Especially because I'd have to get a substitute teacher anyways. To not show up at all would put my students' safety at risk.
I am also extremely torn about the idea of this. There is a local political action facebook group, and on it there is a lot of talk about intersectionality, meaning are we focused only on the needs/rights of white privileged women or is this inclusive of all women. Many women who need their rights supported can't possibly take the day off, financially because they can't afford to lose a day's pay, because they have jobs they can't afford to lose, because they are single parents or don't have supportive partners. For me, taking the day off when I have a secure job and a supportive partner doesn't feel meaningful. -
I work PT for family and am in a lucky work situation I wouldn't probably have in any other job.. so not on my radar!
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@Chuckles: yes to everything you said.
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@yoursilverlining: Thanks. Even though I think it's important to talk about that stuff, I always feel a little pretentious in an "I once took a women's studies class" sort of way
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I'm vaguely aware this is a thing but I don't expect myself or anyone I know to actually participate. And I don't expect daycare will be an issue. Honestly it'd be pretty shitty if a ton of daycare workers took off because they'd mostly be screwing over moms doing it (who is more likely to take off work if daycare falls through?)
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I heard about this but didn't know when it was taking place or anything. I have a pretty good job situation and wouldn't want to kill a day of PTO for this (just being honest). I've got maternity leave to save my pto for since we don't get paid time off - something I'm working on changing.
I can't skip domestic duties because my DH does enough to be an equal participant in our household. (Most of the time :silly:) and because I'm type A and couldn't stand to see dirty dishes or mess that I know will be waiting for me the next day.
But I'll wear red if I remember and try to participate or show support in other ways.
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@Corduroy: I think I will probably take my MIL out to lunch. She's super into the women's movement and she's been a really huge part of my life the last year. I want to treat her.
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