30 years of the Family Medical Leave Act: Much to celebrate, much more to do
This week we are celebrating 30 years since the passage of the Family Medical Leave Act. The FMLA has extended a lifeline to so many working families. It had been used more than 460 million times, with nearly 15 million people benefitting last year alone. The burden on employers has been negligible—92% of employers report no difficulty complying with FMLA. And yet, not everyone can take advantage—about 44% of the workforce is excluded from FMLA coverage.
"The FMLA was historic for its time," wrote AFSCME International President Lee Saunders this week on the important law which offers up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off for workers to address serious health concerns, care for a newborn, or tend to a sick family member. "It provides job security and continued health insurance during moments in workers’ lives when they need to focus on themselves and their families. It means that so many people don’t have to make a wrenching choice between work and family," said Saunders.
And, AFSCME has been in this fight since the beginning, says Saunders. "AFSCME members kept the heat turned up by writing and calling their legislators to voice their support." Read Pres. Saunder's full blog on the FMLA at afscme.org/
Take action: National paid family leave for all
The FMLA is a stepping stone—but unpaid leave isn’t good enough, says the AFL-CIO. Working people deserve better. No one should have to choose between a paycheck or their health and family.
So labor unions keep fighting—for paid sick leave, for paid parental leave, and for the dignity and respect working families deserve. As we celebrate 30 years of the FMLA, let's take action for progress.Working People Need Paid Leave Now! Tell your member of Congress to support a national paid leave policy!