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Why Don't We Have Better Maternity Leave Policies?
May 5, 2009 at 6:35 AM by Cafe Melisa - Comments (11)
Did you know that only five countries in the world don't offer some sort of paid parental leave, and the United States is one of them? (We're joined by Australia, Liberia, Swaziland, and Papua New Guinea.)
Meanwhile, female employees in the U.K. are entitled to 52 weeks of maternity leave, 39 of which are paid. And our neighbors to the north, Canadians, are welcome to take 35 weeks of leave, split between the parents as desired. This is on TOP of 15 weeks of paid leave for the mom.
Europe? You don't even want to know.
OK, so there are no U.S. rules requiring paid time off. But, from work it, mom!, here are a few tips on trying to maximize your leave.
-- The Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows for job protection and unpaid leave, but not everyone is eligible. Do some research and be prepared to negotiate for what you want early.
-- Know the number of weeks to which you are entitled -- Through company policy, or law, or both, you may be entitled to paid or unpaid time off that ranges from 0 to 12 or more weeks.
-- Know the number of weeks you want -- and remember, everything is negotiable. Just because something is in writing as "company policy" doesn't mean you can't ask for something different.
Here are more work it, mom! tips on preparing for maternity leave.
Why do you think the United States doesn't have more generous parental leave laws? Do you expect any family-friendly changes under the new administration?
FILED UNDER: maternity leave
Comments:
I think change is much needed, but I don't have high hopes at this time. Last year a family from Sweden moved in next to us. Our daughters were close in age, so we got acquainted with them and I couldn't believe that she'd received a one year paid leave and is currently on her optional second unpaid year with a third unpaid year just approved for her. So for three years, her job in Sweden is secure for her to just walk back into. If other countries can offer such great support for families, I think at the very least we could improve on what little we have now.
Let's face it, it is very "un-American" to miss work. Why do you think illness spreads so easily in offices and schools in our country. People don't take time off when they should.
It is expected at my company that you not be off more than the 6-8 weeks you are medically unable to work. In addition, they will pull work away from you as soon as you become pregnant because everyone knows a pregnant women couldn't possibly do work and be pregnant! Don't get me started on how companies treat mother's once they have children.
I don't see this changing anytime soon in this nation. We don't have the same mind set when it comes to work/life balance as the other countries mentioned in the article.
This may piss a lot of people off but I believe that a great deal of phalocentric theory still runs our government. A lot of insecure men in government do not want to give women rights. I live in VA where former Governor George Allen was running for senate re-election. He lost the election partially because one of his open platform stances was that he wanted FMLA repealled because it is "bad for business". I believe there are many more like him and that's why women can't get fair legislation in this country.
I think its because we have a huge population already.It seems that the U.S doesnt want people to get more comfortable having babies and living off the system which is already a problem. In other countries with dwindling populations they are practically begging the women to get pregnant. I dont see this changing until our population growth slows and people become more education,career, and goal oriented.
I love living in Canada! I get $848 a month untill November, and I started getting it in January!
From my perspective as a high school teacher (our school year doesn't end until June 18th and my due date is May 26th), I've already had several parent complaints that I won't be here the entire year. My long term sub should be starting within the next few weeks, and she is not required to stay after school and help the kids with one on one time. Yes, plenty of parents and students are griping (not the word I want to use) about it.
Until society changes, I don't see this changing any time soon....
OMG. 39 weeks of paid maternity leave. And we're supposed to feel grateful that we're "allowed" 12 weeks off, unpaid?
These kinds of things make me wish I was Canadian:(
Don't forget to mention the women who don't even qualify for FMLA because they haven't worked somewhere for a year or longer... That's just harsh and cruel in itself. "New baby? Sure! But have fun with no income.. We'll see you in 6-weeks or else."
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I dont know the WHY. Id love to know the WHY. . And I dont expect any changes really. Not unless US familiies start standing up & demanding more.
I think the US fails woman & families as soon as she gets concieves, if you look around at other countries, its not the safest place to have babies!
MommaTasha1003 May. 5, 2009 at 8:32 AM