Tens of billions of dollars, John – that’s how much families and caregivers lose in wages because of our country’s lack of paid family and medical leave. 

When people are sick, expecting a child, or caregiving for a loved one, they’re forced to choose between work and family. That’s an impossible choice. Too many people have to quit their jobs when they’re facing a personal care crisis, instead of getting the time they need to take care of themselves.

That’s why we need a national paid family and medical leave program in the U.S. Sign onto our petition if you agree.

On this day in 1993, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) became the first national law to provide employees with unpaid time off to care for themselves and their families without risking losing their jobs. 

The FMLA was an important first step, but it doesn’t go far enough in 2024. 44% of employees aren’t protected by FMLA, and unpaid leave alone isn’t enough. The U.S. is one of only six countries with the largest economies without any form of national paid leave. We need paid family and medical leave for everyone in the U.S.

As of 2018, workers and their families lost an estimated combined $21.5 billion in wages each year due to a lack of paid family and medical leave. This strain is felt on Black women in particular, who lose an estimated $3.9 billion each year due to lost wages—$2.8 billion while on health leave, $866.4 million while on parental leave, and $223.7 million while caregiving.

A national paid leave program is a win-win for families and businesses. It would bring billions of dollars back into the economy while also bringing money back into the pockets of workers. 

We need Congress to see how much support there is for a paid leave program. That’s why we need you to sign our petition today, John.

We’re saying - enough is enough. Families deserve better options and opportunities to care for themselves and their loved ones without worrying about losing their jobs and livelihoods.

With care,

Nicole Jorwic, Chief of Advocacy & Campaigns
Caring Across Generations