Quick Facts

A successful work and family agenda requires a deep understanding of the challenges faced by American workers. National statistics on work and family issues help facilitate an understanding of the challenges facing working families today. These can be used to push for changes at the workplace. Here are some quick facts on Family Leave.

Whenever we have a sick family member or get sick ourselves we are challenged to find a solution that does not result in the loss of pay, or the loss of a job.

  • 47% of workers in the US have no access to paid sick time.
  • 86 million workers do not have access to paid sick time to care for sick children.
  • 34% of parents reported that caring for their sick children led to difficulties at work; 12% said it led to lost pay; 13% said it led to the loss of promotions or jobs.
  • 84% of working men and women say it is important to expand the Family and Medical Leave Act.
  • 78% of workers who said they have needed family leave but have not taken it report that this is because they could not afford it.
  • Almost one in ten of those who took unpaid family leave were forced to go public assistance while on leave.
© 2007 Labor Project for Working Families