Family and Medical Leave Legislation: Organizational Policies & Strategies

Abstract

Problems have resulted from the novel situation in the U.S. society where more and more parents are working, leaving them with less time and energy during the period surrounding the birth and early growth of a new infant. This issue has received considerable attention from both the private and public sectors. An increasing number of progressive companies have been proactive in offering paid and unpaid family leaves as part of their employees’ benefit package. On February 5, 1993, President Clinton signed a bill into law granting up to a total of 12 weeks of unpaid leave during any 12 month period to cope with a family sickness, childbirth or adoption. This paper discusses the history of family leaves and the passage of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) along with its provisions and implications. The FMLA is just a first step for the U.S. as other countries provide paid family leave with varying percentages of pay compared to the U.S. Examples of leave policies around the world are examined.