News and perspective on public policy issues affecting Washington's economy and quality of life, brought to you by the Economic Opportunity Institute.
The federal government enacted the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in 1993 to ensure up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave per year for workers to recover from their own serious health condition, bond with a new child, or care for a seriously ill spouse, child or parent. The law also provides job protection while [...]
While few workers have a designated paid family leave benefit, many do have limited amounts of paid leave available as vacation, sick leave, or paid time off. However, access to paid leave benefits varies across the labor force. In general, low-wage and part-time workers, workers without advanced degrees, and women of color are unlikely to [...]
Significant changes in workforce demographics have led to increased need for family-friendly workplace policies that enable workers to better balance the responsibilities of family, health and career. But absent new public standards and programs, private employers have responded slowly. Paid leave benefits have generally been limited to those workers with the greatest bargaining power, either [...]
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and I’ve been thinking long and hard about how to honor my mom for all the sacrifices she has made for me and my siblings over the last four decades. My ever-busy mom worked throughout her child-rearing years. And while she has enjoyed her career, I know it [...]
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