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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: (202) 219-8211
President Clinton today urged Americans to learn their rights under the
Family and Medical Leave Act by calling the Labor Department's toll free
number, 1-800-959-FMLA. The President used his national radio address to
commemorate the fourth anniversary of the enactment of the Family and Medical
Leave Act and to spotlight the Labor Department's campaign to educate workers
about the law.
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 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 FMLA on the job. In addition to its
toll-free number, the Department has provided FMLA information through its
web-site located at http://www.dol.gov as well as public service announcements
for print and radio.
- The Department of Labor's latest enforcement report found:
- most complaints with FMLA resulted from an employer refusing to
reinstate an employee to the same or equivalent job after taking time off; and
- 90 percent of complaints were successfully resolved with the
employers' agreement to comply with the law, usually with a simple call.
- In four years, the Department has received only 6,346
complaints.
- Ninety-five percent of those complaints were resolved in discussions
with employers or workers about the intent of the law; and
- only 16 legal actions have been taken by the Department for FMLA
violations.
"Once again, statistics show that FMLA has been easy to offer for
employers and helpful to workers," said Wage and Hour Administrator Maria
Echaveste. "We're grateful to the President for acknowledging our efforts to
inform workers and employers about their rights under the law."
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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