Family and Medical Leave Act Expansion
Employee and family advocates have noted the success of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, which gives 12 weeks of unpaid leave to employees that meet certain eligibility requirements and who work for employers with 50 or more employees. These advocates argue that the FMLA does not go far enough and should be expanded.
Paid Sick Leave
Family advocates and unions argue that workers, especially lower-paid workers, do not receive paid sick leave, and thus are more likely to stay on the job rather than take unpaid leave. They contend “presenteeism” is especially detrimental to workers and consumers in service industries. They point to the fact that the U.S. is one of only a few countries that does not mandate some amount of paid sick leave for employees. In addition, the advocates see the approval of paid sick leave as one avenue of expanding the FMLA to cover paid leave.