President Obama proposes that federal employees receive paid family and sick leave up to 7 days and will also propose legislation that will require such paid leave for American workers. The New York Times reports: Obama Plans to Push Paid Family and Sick Leave for Workers.
Valerie Jarrett, one of President Obama's senior advisors, has a posting on LinkedIn: Why We Think Paid Leave Is a Worker's Right, Not a Privilege.
While many American workers have paid family and sick leave, many do not. The Family Medical Leave Act provides only for unpaid leave, although many workers can use accrued leave, such as vacation or sick leave to cover at least some of the days. The proposal would be a small step, but one that would help American families. However, the Republican majorities in the House and Senate, given their extreme pro-corporation leanings, are at best very unlikely to pass the legislation. Still a step is a step however overdue.
