Celebrating 30 Years of the Family and Medical Leave Act

Today marks a momentous occasion in American history – the 30th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This law, which was signed into effect on February 5, 1993, provides job protection for workers who need to take time off from work due to family or medical reasons. The FMLA was an important step toward providing dignity for working people everywhere. For the first time in our nation’s history, the majority of Americans could take time off work to care for a loved one or themselves without fear of losing their job. This landmark legislation has had far-reaching implications on our society, providing greater economic security and stability for families across the country. The FMLA grants eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for certain family and medical reasons such as caring for a newborn child or recovering from an illness. It also allows employees to take up to 26 weeks of leave in order to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness. During this period, employers are required by law to maintain health insurance coverage and other benefits as if the employee were still actively working. Since its enactment 30 years ago, millions of workers have taken advantage of this law’s protections. According to data from the Department of Labor, more than 200 million workers have been able to take job-protected leave under FMLA since its passage in 1993. The number continues to grow each year as more people become aware of their rights under this important piece of legislation. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary today, it is important that we recognize how far we have come since 1993 but also acknowledge that there is still much work left to be done when it comes protecting workers’ rights and ensuring workplace fairness across all industries. We must continue fighting for policies that ensure everyone can access paid family leave so they can care for themselves and their loved ones without sacrificing financial security or stability in their lives.