WHEREAS:

American workers should not be forced to choose between having a job and responding to major family needs; and

WHEREAS:

The United States and South Africa are the only industrialized countries without a national policy providing job-guaranteed leave to employees at the birth or adoption of a child, to deal with family medical emergencies or for the employees' own illness. Indeed in many countries, including some of America's major trade competitors, employees are entitled to paid leave; and

WHEREAS:

It has now been five years since the Family and Medical Leave Act was first introduced in the U.S. Congress. Despite several major compromises to meet the objections of small business, this modest legislation providing unpaid, job-guaranteed leave is yet to be enacted due to opposition from business groups and the Bush Administration; and

WHEREAS:

Several states have already passed and others are considering state family and medical leave legislation.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will continue to make passage of the Family and Medical Leave Act a legislative priority; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME encourages all affiliates to support appropriate state family and medical leave legislation; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME councils and locals continue to negotiate liberal and comprehensive paid and unpaid leave provisions for AFSCME members.

SUBMITTED BY:

James Glass, International Vice President
AFSCME Council 25
Michigan

Steven Myli, Delegate
Ed Castro, Delegate
AFSCME Local 2428, Council 57
Oakland, CA