Poverty and Involuntary Part-Time Work: A Spotlight and CLASP Audio Conference

Listen to the audio conference.

View the transcript.

Millions of workers in the U.S. would like to work full time, but find themselves stuck in part-time jobs. These workers often struggle to earn enough income to make ends meet, and face erratic scheduling that can make holding a second job prohibitive. As a result, “involuntary part-time workers” are significantly more likely to be low-income than other workers.

This audio conference sponsored by Spotlight and the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) provided:

  • A snapshot of the data on poverty and involuntary part-time work
  • An overview of policy solutions to address the issue
  • Reports from advocates in Seattle, WA; San Jose, CA; and Washington, DC, three jurisdictions where laws intended to address involuntary part-time work have passed in the last year

Speakers included:

  • Sejal Parikh, Working Washington
  • Derecka Mehrens, Working Partnerships USA
  • Amy Sugimori, 32BJ SEIU
  • Lonnie Golden, Ph.D. , Economic Policy Institute (EPI); Project for Middle Class Renewal, University of Illinois, School of Labor and Employment Relations; Penn State University, Abington College