FMLA: A 30-year celebration (and a call to Congress for paid family and medical leave)

The U.S. Department of Labor marked the 30^th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act with a renewed commitment to its principles.

“The Family and Medical Leave Act changed the lives of millions of American workers and their families,” Labor Secretary Marty Walsh said. “Since its 1993 passage, many workers no longer have to choose between their job and their health and well-being, and that of their families. And while we celebrate this landmark achievement, we know more still needs to be done to make sure workers can freely exercise their rights to job-protected leave and that they are protected if an employer denies those rights.”

The FMLA protects the rights of eligible employees of covered employers to take 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons and remain covered by their group health insurance. The law is a cornerstone in the department’s effort to promote work-life balance and has helped many working families balance the demands of their jobs and care for themselves and their families.