While the Family and Medical Leave Act was an important first step to help workers manage their commitments to both their employers and their families, there is still work to be done, especially for low-wage workers.
Report
As President Obama enters his second term and as the 113th Congress convenes, this re-release of “Our Working Nation” takes a new look at how we can update our workplace policies to fully include women and men who combine work with family care.
The Family and Medical Leave Act has greatly benefited many U.S. workers since it became law in 1993. On its 20th anniversary, it’s time to take additional steps so that the act can benefit all U.S. workers.
The Family and Medical Leave Act was an important step in advancing U.S. family leave policies, but there is still much work to be done.
It is in our nation’s best interest to make sure that all of our workers can be productive members of our country’s workforce and also take care of their own health or the health of their loved ones.
The Family and Medical Leave Act exists to protect workers from having to choose between caring for a loved one and keeping a job. But under current federal law, the act fails to provide sufficient protections for gay and transgender workers and their families.
Covering same-sex spouses, recognizing the unique challenges of military families, and fully enforcing the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act is key to protecting service members and their families.
Two decades ago, President Bill Clinton signed the Family and Medical Leave Act. It remains the only piece of legislation aimed at helping to manage the work-life balance.
On the 20th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act, we look at how the law has helped the reproductive justice movement advance its cause.
Faith groups that were crucial to securing the Family and Medical Leave Act 20 years ago are key to expanding its protections now and in the future.