Statement by the American Federation of Teachers
On the Supreme Court Ruling To Give State Workers Family Leave Rights

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This week’s Supreme Court decision in Nevada Department of Human Resources v. Hibbs provides important confirmation that state employees are eligible for the same family and medical leave rights that all American workers are entitled to under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  The AFT strongly supported passage of this law in 1993.  It was a prime example of commonsense legislation that adds equity to the workplace and helps to alleviate undue burdens on employees who must juggle work and family obligations.

By rejecting this effort to deny Family and Medical Leave Act benefits to state workers, the Supreme Court appropriately found that state employees are entitled to 12 weeks of family leave,  as are federal and private sectors employees.   The Supreme Court recognized that state workers have the right to care for an elderly parent or newborn child without fear of losing their jobs or health benefits.  As Chief Justice William Rehnquist wrote for the Court, Congress intended for this law to de-stigmatize family care leave, to make clear that it should not be considered a drain on the workplace, and to provide female and male workers equal opportunity to take such leave.

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The AFT represents more than 1.3 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals and other school support employees, higher education faculty, nurses and other healthcare workers, and state and local government employees.