This fact sheet by Tanya L. Goldman explains the importance of including job protection in paid family and medical leave policies.

The FAMILY Act and other proposed federal legislation would provide vital leave benefits; however, the bills would only guarantee job protection to people who are covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA). Forty percent of workers are not covered by FMLA. When taking leave, these workers would be at risk of losing their jobs, even if they are contributing to a paid leave social insurance fund.

Workers should not fear job loss when taking care of themselves or a loved one. Including job protection in paid family and medical leave legislation is feasible and critical to ensuring the economic wellbeing of all workers.