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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: (202)219-8211
A report delivered to Congress today dispels the myth that
the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 hurts American business. "None of the
dire predictions made by family leave opponents came true," said Labor
Secretary Robert B. Reich.
"Opponents predicted family leave would be bad for
business, but it has had no ill effects on productivity, profitability or
growth. Opponents said it would be expensive but in fact, the new law adds
little or no cost to employers. Opponents predicted some businesses would have
to shut down because of heavy absenteeism, but only a small percentage of
workers have actually taken family leave, and those who did, usually returned
to work within two weeks.
"Workers no longer have to choose between their jobs and
their families if a child or parent needs their care. The new law is helping
Americans achieve a workable balance when most households are headed by two
working parents or a single mother."
Some significant findings from the commission's
research:
- Nearly 90 percent of all employers reported that compliance with the
law entails no costs or only small costs.
- Almost 87 percent report no noticeable effect on productivity,
profitability and growth.
- Businesses said very few employees actually took leave under the new
law, only about 3.6 percent.
- The median length of leave for all leave-takers is 10 days.
The report, "A Workable Balance: Report to Congress on
Family and Medical Leave Policies," summarizes a two-year effort by the
bipartisan Commission on Family and Medical Leave to evaluate the effects of
the law, signed by President Clinton in 1993. The commission undertook two
major research surveys to understand the law's impact on employers and
employees. The Department of Labor staffed the commission during its two-year
tenure and offered the resources of the Women's Bureau.
The law, administered by the department's Wage and Hour
Division, requires businesses with more than 50 employees to allow up to 12
weeks of unpaid leave to care for a new born or adopted child, to attend to
their own serious health needs, or to care for a seriously ill parent, child or
spouse.
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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