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What Others Are Saying About
The Labor Department's
Attack on FMLA
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Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT):
"First, we have to protect the gains we've made — which is why I'm concerned about proposed new Department of Labor regulations that may put unnecessary roadblocks in the way of workers seeking the leave they need. Second, we need to ensure that FMLA protections are extended to all families — no matter what their income. No one should be forced in a time of crisis to make the impossible choice between work and family. But the truth is that millions who have are entitled to family leave can't afford to take it. For every worker who can weather a day without pay, three more can't afford the loss. I believe they deserve paid leave."... [read more - PDF]
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA):
"The Bush Administration last week took a step backward, announcing new regulations that will limit workers' ability to use such medical leave when they need it. The regulations place stricter requirements on when employees can request leave in advance, and shorten the window in which they can claim their rights after an emergency. As a result, many workers entitled to this leave are likely to have their requests unfairly denied. The changes also make it more difficult for people to return to work when their health crisis has passed. They increase the amount of private medical information that employers can demand before employees can come back to work, and they require frequent certifications from workers taking periodic leave. They also impose onerous new paperwork on both workers and heath providers." ... [read more - PDF]
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA):
"I'm disappointed that once again, the Labor Department has taken a position that seems to be tipping the scales in favor of employers over workers and their families. And I'm concerned that at least some of its proposed administrative rule changes would impose unnecessary burdens in workers. At a time when more and more working families depend on dual incomes - and as more people find themselves caring for aging parents in addition to children - family and medical leave should be expanded, not narrowed."... [read more - PDF]
Testimony of Kristen Grimm,
President and Founder, Spitifire Strategies
"As a small businesswoman I believe paid leave is the kind of policy that will make our economy more competitive and dynamic, much as its parent legislation, the Family and Medical Leave Act, did before it." [read more - PDF]
Testimony of Debra Ness,
President, National
Partnership for Women & Families:
“While the anniversary and expansion of the FMLA are cause for celebration, we are also very concerned for the vitality of the law given that the Department of Labor is proposing new FMLA regulations... The FMLA is working and working well. It does not need any significant regulatory changes. Rather, we should be looking at how we can expand it so more workers can realize its promise of job-protected leave in times of need." [read more - PDF]
