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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: (202) 219-8211
"As we celebrate the Fifth Anniversary of the Family and
Medical Leave Act (FMLA), I am pleased to report that this law works well for
America's workers and businesses.
"The past five years have proven that this new law has
worked exactly as it was intended. Millions of American workers have gained
precious time to be with their families during medical emergencies. At the same
time, their employers have not experienced the effects that some who opposed
this law feared.
"FMLA allows workers up to 12 weeks unpaid leave to care
for seriously ill family members, the birth or adoption of a child or their own
serious health problems. Private employers with 50 or more workers must offer
employees family and medical leave. Over half of the private sector American
labor force is protected by this law. FMLA gives these workers assurance that
they can be there for their families in the difficult times without losing
their jobs or health insurance.
"The President has called on the Congress to provide these
important protections to 10 million more American workers and to expand FMLA to
allow 24 additional hours of FMLA leave each year to participate in children's
school activities like, parent-teacher conferences or to take children or
elderly relatives to appointments for medical or dental and other professional
services.
"I count myself fortunate to administer a law that provides
such important benefits to our country's working families, and which has been
implemented with great success. The Family and Medical Leave Act has eased the
tensions inherent in balancing work and family responsibilities, an effort
which continues to be one of my top priorities."
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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