In an attempt to roll back or undo the Family and Medical Leave Act's (FMLA) hard-won worker protections, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in February proposed changes to FMLA regulations that will make it more difficult for workers to use leave under the act. The AFT is urging members to take the time to protest and comment on the proposed changes. The AFT will be signing on to the AFL-CIO's detailed comments on the specific changes, but we need to make the DOL aware that its actions will affect real people. Share your personal story (http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/fmla_story) of how you have used FMLA leave to help you or your family through a time of illness, care for a newborn or provide long-term care for a loved one. The deadline to comment is April 10. The FMLA is a popular and well-used law, which was enacted during the Clinton administration. Since its inception, more than 50 million Americans have used FMLA leave. The FMLA is extraordinarily popular with workers, and businesses have found that it has not had a negative effect on productivity or economic growth. In spite of this, the Bush administration is proposing changes (http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/fmla_story/explanation) that would make it more difficult for workers to obtain leave under FMLA.

March 26, 2008