When the Family and Medical Leave Act became law 30 years ago this month, millions of workers in the United States won the right to take care of a medical or family need without fear of losing their job. But the historic law hasn’t aged well.
Through the prism of 2023, what FMLA really does is allow some workers to endure economic hardships—taking time off without pay—so that they can take care of themselves or the people around them during challenging times. The 1993 law’s shortcomings, alongside workers’ changing expectations, is strengthening the case for change.
Paid leave has gained traction among voters on both sides of the political aisle, with 84% of people supporting a federally mandated policy.
The above is an excerpt of a piece originally published in the USA Today.
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