News & Information

CCH® HR MANAGEMENT — 02/21/07

Dodd to introduce paid leave legislation

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) announced he will introduce legislation that would amend the FMLA to provide for at least six weeks of paid leave for employees. The bill would also expand the number of individuals eligible for FMLA leave. "Besides our nation's families, our nation's economy, its production and its competitiveness are threatened when families are forced to choose between the job they need and the family they love," Dodd said. "FMLA was a milestone in our nation's dialogue, acknowledging that families, workforce production and competitiveness are not mutually exclusive."

Sen. Dodd's bill will push for at least six weeks of paid leave for the worker to care for themselves, their children, and immediate family members. The program would be funded by a shared-cost mechanism, involving the employer, the employee and the Federal Government.

In a press conference announcing the bill, Dodd referred to a report compiled by Harvard and McGill University researchers, entitled the Work, Family and Equity Index. "This report validates what millions of working Americans already know—that the U.S. does not do nearly enough to ensure that our workers aren’t forced to choose between their family and their job," Dodd said. "Now more than ever, millions of workers need to be able to take care of their young children and their aging parents. No worker should be penalized for caring for their family."

Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK), has announced his intentions to co-sponsor Sen. Dodd’s legislation.

For additional information on this and other HR topics, consult CCH Human Resources Management or Personnel Practices/Communications.

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