Family Leave

Congress is again this year taking up the issue of unpaid leave for the care of ailing family members. This legislation was passed last year but vetoed by President Bush on the basis that it would reduce company “flexibility” and undermine U.S. competitiveness.

But of course most of the nations with which America competes already provide paid leave for childbirth or family sickness, and how much flexibility is lost to 2 cents a day? That’s the amount the General Accounting Office estimates the legislation would add to employer benefit costs.

People should not have to choose between their jobs and their families in a health emergency.

LARRY D. SOOTER

President, AFL-CIO Local 1428

Pomona