Family & Medical Leave Act (1993) Social and demographic changes –60% of mothers with children under 6 are in the workforce (18% in 1960) –75% of mothers with children ages 6-17 now work (39% in 1960) –14% of families include a husband who works and a wife who stays home full time –15% of employees provide assistance to an elderly relative Expected to increase dramatically

What the law requires Firms with 50 or more employees must provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave a year for employees –Who are ill or injured –Have a new child –Who need to care for an ill or disabled child, spouse, or parent Employers are required to continue paying their share of health care premiums during the leave

Debate over the bill “We are talking about a fundamental principle of human decency that recognizes the importance of families and the importance of job security” Christopher Dodd (D-Connecticut) “The bill would strangle both individual and employer flexibility in addressing workplace needs” Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) 1988 survey of leave policies among businesses with 50 or more employees estimated that 150,000 jobs could be saved –Business savings of $244 million a year (turnover) 1988 survey of human resource professionals –69% disagreed with federally mandated unpaid leave