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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: (202) 219-8211
Part of its continuing public education campaign and in
celebration of the Family and Medical Leave Act signed into law four years ago
today, the Labor Department released print and radio public service
announcements to inform workers and employers of their rights under the
law.
Four print PSAs as well as several scripted radio PSAs
encourage Americans to learn their rights under the Family and Medical Leave
Act (FMLA) by calling the Labor Department's toll free number, 1-800-959-FMLA,
or visiting the Department's Internet site found at http://www.dol.gov. The
PSAs are aimed at diverse audiences and are available in both English and
Spanish.
FMLA applies to an estimated 67 million employees who are
covered and eligible. Covered employers provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave
and continued health coverage in a 12-month period. Workers can take the leave
for certain family and medical reasons.
"Businesses across the country have learned that the law is
fair, compassionate and an easy way to cement worker loyalty," said Acting
Labor Secretary Cynthia A. Metzler. "Businesses learn that they too profit by
giving workers this priceless benefit."
The Labor Department began its public education campaign in
response to research conducted by the Family Leave Commission, which found that
fewer than one third of workers have learned about their rights to family and
medical leave.
The Department of Labor's latest FMLA enforcement report
found that most complaints resulted from an employer refusing to reinstate an
employee to the same or equivalent job after taking time off. Ninety percent of
complaints were successfully resolved with the employers' agreement to comply
with the law, usually with a simple call.
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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