Tag: Paid Family and Medical Leave

The PAID Leave Act Would Guarantee the Paid Sick Time and Paid Family & Medical Leave All Workers Need Now 

The PAID Leave Act, introduced by Rep. DeLauro, Sen. Gillibrand, and Sen. Murray, is a comprehensive emergency paid sick time and paid family and medical leave bill that builds on the protections in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. As COVID-19 spreads and businesses and schools close down nationwide, this bill provides relief that workers and families need now.

We Applaud the Passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act & Call for Further, Immediate Action to Protect All Workers & Families 

As this country faces a public health emergency of unprecedented proportions, we are pleased that Congress has passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which will provide relief working families need now. For the first time in history, Congress is guaranteeing workers paid sick time to care for their own health or for some close family members when impacted by COVID-19. While passing this bill was a necessary first step, we urge Congress to take further action. 

The House-Passed Families First Coronavirus Response Act Is a Critical First Step for Workers

For the first time in history, Congress is addressing the need of workers for paid sick time for themselves or some close family members when impacted by the coronavirus. The bill that was passed last night provides for 10 paid sick days and 12 weeks paid leave for those who are sick from the coronavirus, quarantined, affected by closures or caring for a close family member who is sick, quarantined or affected by closures of schools.

27 Years After the FMLA, It’s Time for Paid Leave for All

February 5th marks the 27th anniversary of the signing of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. The FMLA provides job-protected, unpaid time off for millions of American workers to care for themselves and their families, and has been used over 200 million times since its enactment. Passage of the law was an incredibly important first step, but 40 percent of workers are excluded from the FMLA’s protections. Many more cannot afford to take the unpaid leave it offers. Nearly three decades later, it’s time for the next step: paid leave for all U.S. workers.

Advancing Workers’ Rights is Critical to Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis

The U.S. is facing a maternal and infant health crisis—one that is disproportionately impacting Black women and women of color—as highlighted in a recent Congressional hearing. Although this problem and its solutions are multifaceted, one key piece to addressing this crisis is the need to ensure our workplaces are safe and supportive environments for pregnant workers and mothers. Unfortunately, the reality is that too many pregnant workers and new mothers are forced to risk their health at work—especially those women in low-wage and physically demanding jobs, who are largely women of color.

A Historic Congressional Hearing on the Paid Family & Medical Leave Workers Need

On January 28, the House Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing on legislative proposals for paid family and medical leave, helmed by Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a champion of The FAMILY Act. The FAMILY Act would guarantee U.S. workers 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave to welcome a new child, care for a family member with a serious illness or disability, attend to their own serious medical needs, or deal with a loved one’s deployment. The hearing represents a historic step forward for this critical legislation! 

2020: A Year of Improvements to Paid Family & Medical Leave Laws Nationwide

As 2020 ushers in a new decade, it brings with it many changes to paid family and medical leave laws throughout the U.S.—a cause for celebration for workers and their families. Washington State’s paid family and medical leave program officially went live on January 1. Workers can now receive benefits for up to 12 weeks for medical leave or family leave, up to a total of 16 weeks of benefits in a 52-week period. Nearly all employees in the state are covered, including both public and private sector workers, and self-employed workers can opt in to coverage.

Major Steps Forward for Paid Family & Medical Leave in Tennessee!

Since 2015, we've worked closely with advocates and lawmakers to push for a comprehensive paid family & medical leave program in Tennessee. On Wednesday, we joined State Representative Gloria Johnson in Knoxville to announce the Tennessee Family Insurance Act, a bill to grant paid family and medical leave to all workers in the state. Under this proposal, employees would contribute a small amount each month to a paid family and medical leave insurance fund.
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