Celebrating 30 Years of the FMLA and the Push for Paid Leave

Today marks a historic milestone – 30 years since the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was signed into law. The FMLA is a landmark piece of legislation that provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons. The FMLA has been a game-changer for millions of Americans who need time away from work to care for themselves or their families. But despite this important victory, we still have much work to do in ensuring that all workers have access to paid leave. The United States remains one of only two countries in the world without guaranteed paid leave. This means that many workers are forced to choose between their health and financial security when they need time off due to illness or caring for a loved one. As a result, too many people are unable to take the time they need when it matters most, leading to increased stress and economic hardship. Fortunately, there is growing momentum behind efforts to pass a national paid family and medical leave program. Such a program would provide eligible workers with partial wage replacement while on leave, allowing them to take care of themselves or their families without sacrificing their financial stability. We celebrate today’s anniversary as an opportunity not only to reflect on our progress but also recommit ourselves towards achieving our goal – guaranteeing every worker access to paid family and medical leave. We owe it not only those who have come before us but also those yet unborn – our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews – so that they may live in a country where no one has to choose between taking care of themselves or their families and making ends meet financially.