FMLA Expanded for Wounded Military Families

For the first time since the bill was passed 15 years ago, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has been expanded thanks to efforts of the Democratic majority in Congress. The legislation extends unpaid family and medical leave for up to six months for the families of wounded military personnel.

Originally proposed by Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Hillary Clinton (D-NY) as the Support for Injured Servicemembers Act, the expansion enables military family members to take FMLA leave for “any qualifying exigency” relating to a family member’s call up to active duty or deployment.

“By extending the Family Medical Leave Act to military families, [this] provision will help parents, spouses and children take care of a number of issues that arise when a loved one is deployed,” said Rep. Jason Altmire (D-PA.), who introduced the amendment.

“This needed expansion in FMLA is a great victory for our military families and all families across America,” said IAM Women’s Department Director Cheryl Eastburn. “We need to stay vigilant, however. Before the ink has even dried on this new legislation, the Labor Department is already considering new regulations to reduce the number of families eligible for FMLA.

Under FMLA, companies employing 50 or more people must allow workers up to 12 weeks a year of unpaid leave to care for themselves or family members during serious health conditions, or for the birth or adoption of a child.