Retailer Group Backs Family Leave Bill on Eve of Debate

A group of retailers who employ about 20 million Americans endorsed the family leave bill Monday on the eve of its scheduled Senate debate.

The National Retail Federation’s support was hailed by the bill’s sponsors as an indication that the legislation is not anti-business, as critics argue.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business groups oppose the legislation, which would force employers with 50 or more workers to give their employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a newborn or a sick family member.

The retail group said the bill, with its small-business exemption, strikes a balance between family needs and “workplace reality.”

The measure is expected to come up on the Senate floor today; House debate is set for Wednesday.

Supporters hope to get the measure to President Clinton by the end of the week.

Meanwhile, the General Accounting Office said the cost to U.S. businesses of continuing workers’ health care coverage while they were on leave would amount to about $674 million a year.

Sen. Nancy Landon Kassebaum (R-Kan.), a chief critic, has said she might offer an amendment forcing the government to pick up any costs of the mandated leave. The GAO said there were no other significant costs.