Every worker in the US would have access to paid vacation benefits under a measure proposed by US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
The FAMILY Act would cover workers regardless of the size of their employer or if they are self-employed and regardless of their full or part-time status if a serious medical event occurs.
A paid emergency leave scheme designed to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic by around 15,000 cases a day partially expired late last year.
However, Gillibrand’s proposal, tabled with Rep. Rosa DeLauro, would be far broader. It is a model of government programs that creates a permanent fund for all workers who devote up to 66% of their waiting time for 12 weeks.
“The pandemic has put an overwhelming strain on the women’s workforce, which has decimated many middle class families across the country. And this economic damage has hit black and brown families, especially women, disproportionately. Decades of economic progress have been decimated in the past year as these women have been forced to make the impossible choice between caring for their families or making a paycheck, “said Gillibrand.
“I am proud to be working with Congresswoman DeLauro to introduce the FAMILY bill and establish an ongoing, comprehensive paid family and sick leave program to keep all workers safe through the rest of this crisis and beyond.”
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