Mini 9 Essay Examples

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under particular circumstances. The act allows employees to take leave if they are incapacitated, to take care of a child or a relative unable to perform daily activities and maternity leave. There are countries with better family leave policies compared to the United States. For instance, Germany provides 15 weeks maternity leave divided into pre and post natal and up to three years rearing leave with two years being fully paid until the child reaches eight years. Denmark, Austria and France also give longer paid leaves that the US. It is only South Korea which provides a poorer rate than the US.
The difference in policies could be due to population and economic differences. It could also be due to different tax systems. In countries where employees are given paid leaves including rearing leaves, the tax citizens pay is almost or even above 60% of the employees’ salaries. The government is thus able to pay the citizens even when they are on leave for long periods.
FMLA is important in several ways. It allows family to spend time together since most of the working days are hectic and very busy for them to find time. It allows parents to bond with a new born child. It also enables family to give proper care to their relatives in case of illness.
My family has used FMLA. I would also ensure that I find a job that will allow me to enjoy the privileges provided in this act. It is important to work knowing that in case of an emergency, you can leave and recover and still have your job secured.
The FMLA needs to revise its clause of an unpaid leave. Employees should at least be accorded a 50% pay during the time they are on leave and should also be extended to a rearing leave in case of rearing a new born baby.