The United States Chamber of Commerce is urging Congress to be wary of the burden that expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act would have on employers.
A number of proposals are being considered as additions to the 1993 law signed by then President Bill Clinton that provides eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for serious illness of the employee, an immediate family member or the birth or adoption of a child. Only companies with at least 50 employees are subject to the law.
The U.S. Chamber opposes any efforts to expand FMLA legislatively, such as applying it to more companies and mandating that leave be paid. The Chamber says the law has led to employer confusion and employee abuse.
Among the proposals are a Senate bill that would provide up to eight weeks of paid leave for workers who need time off for the birth or adoption of children. Another Senate bill would require employers with 15 or more workers to provide each with at least seven paid sick days to address their medical needs or the needs of their families.
Businesses argue some irresponsible employees abuse the law by skipping work and using FMLA to avoid consequences; arriving to work late and claiming they had a migraine, which is covered by FMLA; taking FMLA leave to avoid undesirable shifts or excuse unannounced absences.
Employers argue the definition of a “serious medical condition” is so vague that employees can take FMLA leave for almost any reason.
When a worker misuses FMLA leave, co-workers must pick up the slack or work mandatory overtime to pick up the slack.
Workers also can take time off under FMLA and notify superiors after they’ve been absent, claiming it was covered by the act.
The U.S. Chamber wants changes made in the law to correct such abuses.
The opinion offered is that of the US Chamber of Commerce. More information can be gained by accessing www.uschamber.com. Please let your Federal legislators know how you feel about the proposed changes.
Contact information is as follows:
The Honorable David L. Hobson, United States House of Representatives, 2346 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20515-3507; Phone 202-225-4324; Email: http://www.house.gov/hobson/formmail.htm.
The Honorable George Voinovich, United States Senate, 524 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510-3503; Phone: 202-224-3353; Email: http://voinovich.senate.gov/public/index.cfm.
The Honorable Sherrod Brown, United States Senate, 455 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20510-3504; Phone: 202-224-2315; Email: http://brown.senate.gov/contact.
