Federal Family and Medical Leave Legislation: Defeated But Not Dead

As the number of working mothers increases, the problems associated with being an employee and a parent also increase. This has led to a debate concerning the employer’s role/responsibility in helping employees deal with these problems. Congress has seriously considered legislation that would mandate a certain level of “accommodation” by covered employers. And several states have passed laws granting job‐secured leaves. This article presents some of the arguments for and against such legislation, the basics of the proposed federal legislation, and the impact of legislation on employers and employees.