Family Medical Leave Act

Family Medical Leave Act

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives employees twelve weeks off for a worker’s own serious health condition, to bond with a new child, or to care for a seriously ill child, spouse or parent. The FMLA guarantees unpaid job-protected leave, including the maintenance of seniority and benefits and continuation of group health insurance coverage. The worker must be returned to the same or equivalent job at the end of their leave.  The FMLA applies to all public sector employees and to private sector employees in businesses of 50 or more workers within a 75-mile radius.  Additionally, employees must work for their employer for at least 12 months and have worked at least 1,250 hours in the year preceding the leave.

Commentary

Chamber of Commerce Was Wrong About Family and Medical Leave Law

February 04, 2013
US Capitol building

Darrel Issa’s Government Handover

January 05, 2011

Cry Wolf Quotes

[John] Motley [of the NFIB] warned that business owners should not be fooled by small-business exemption [in the FMLA]. ‘That’s only temporary,’ he assured them, adding that he sponsors ‘stated aim’ was ‘paid leave for all employees.’

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NFIB mass mailer sent to tens of thousands of that organization’s members. 1988.
01/01/1988 | Full Details | Law(s): Family Medical Leave Act

We think most Americans don't want the federal government to be their personnel administrators.

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Richard Lesher, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Washington Post.
05/15/1991 | Full Details | Law(s): Family Medical Leave Act

President Clinton touted his new ‘family leave’ bill, sold as free time off to care for children. It turns out the employers of 50 or more covered by the bill have to pay medical care during the leave. At an average cost of $2,000 for the leave, it is not surprising that a Gallup study for the National Federation of Independent Business, found that half of the businesses said they would be reluctant to hire young women under the law, would try to replace low-skilled jobs with machines, and would trim other benefits.

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The Washington Times.
02/23/1993 | Full Details | Law(s): Family Medical Leave Act

America’s business owners are a resilient bunch, but let there by no doubt, HR 1 will be the demise of some. And as that occurs, the light of freedom will grow dimmer.

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Representative John Boehner (R-OH).
02/03/1993 | Full Details | Law(s): Family Medical Leave Act

Evidence