Improving the Family and Medical Leave Act

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a vital asset for working  families.  FMLA currently protects a worker’s job and continuation of  health insurance coverage while allowing up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a new child or a seriously ill child, spouse, or parent. 

Unfortunately, FMLA does not cover part time employees. In 2005, two-thirds of the 24.7 million people working part-time were women, many of whom fulfilled essential family responsibilities in addition to their employment.  The Family Fairness Act would cover these employees and allow them to take the leave necessary to care for their family.  It is a much needed, overdue improvement to the FMLA.