Proposal Suggests FMLA Include Paid Time Off

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) would be expanded to allow employees to take paid leave to care for themselves or a close relation under a suggested proposal being made by Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-CT. Businesses with fewer than 50 employees, however, would be exempt from the proposal.

Sen. Lieberman noted that many employees do not take advantage of the FMLA because they cannot afford to do so. Under his proposal, employees would contribute part of their income to a fund that would finance FMLA leaves at half-salary for a period of up to one month. The cost to employees is projected to be approximately $30 a year.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said the proposal, if adopted, would create concern about lost worker productivity among the businesses that would be affected.