Maternity leave in the US... not really.

[DoubleEdgeSword]

CNN just reported that the U.S. is one of only five countries that does not provide paid maternity leave to women. The other four are Papua New Guinea, Swaziland, Liberia and Lesotho.

I found this information rather strange.

[db44]

Well, considering a woman's place is in the home anyway, this shouldn't matter.

Sarcasm, of course... Or did my inner-Reg pop out?

[tiger_rascal]

I dont know the exact details of this study, but I find it strange too.

I know several women, within the last decade, that got paid maternity leave from work. Of course, there was a limit, I think they got about 4-6 weeks.

Maybe the majority of companies do not offer paid maternity leave? But, there is paid maternity leave in this country.

[DoubleEdgeSword]

I think they were referring to government mandated maternity leave, Chad. Some companies do offer paid leave, but I don't think very many do. None of the companies I've worked for do, and those include some of the largest in the country. Some companies allow employees to use thier sick leave and vacation time for maternity leave, but actually paid time off specifically for maternity? Hmmm... haven't heard of that too much.

[SparkleHugs]

do you think that if they implimented such a thing that men would say it isnt fair and try to get a few weeks off when their wives have a new baby? maybe they dont offer paid maternity leave because we women ask for equal rights?? Just a thought.

[db44]

do you think that if they implimented such a thing that men would say it isnt fair and try to get a few weeks off when their wives have a new baby? maybe they dont offer paid maternity leave because we women ask for equal rights?? Just a thought.

Considering men still on average make more money than women in the same positions, I don't see what they can complain about.

I tend to think it's ironic that the party I presume would keep such a mandate from being passed is the on that dwells on "family values."

Although maybe instead of full pay, it might be more fair to mandate like 75% normal wage for whatever length of time is deemed appropriate.

[SparkleHugs]

I agree completely Dave. Those were the only semi-logical reasons I could come up with for not having such a mandate. Do you think that this might change anytime??

[db44]

If I had to guess, no shot until at least '09. Even if something got passed on the Hill, I don't think the president would sign off on it unless it included some over-the-top tax breaks for companies... Some breaks I think may be in line for such a bill, but I imagine the riders would be ridiculous.

[pinky]

do you think that if they implimented such a thing that men would say it isnt fair and try to get a few weeks off when their wives have a new baby? maybe they dont offer paid maternity leave because we women ask for equal rights?? Just a thought.
There are some companies that offer "family leave" that can be used for the birth or adoption of a child or for caring for sick parents or children.

[Whoda Thunk?]

There are some companies that offer "family leave" that can be used for the birth or adoption of a child or for caring for sick parents or children.

Isn't that FMLA? It's required by law if you've worked a certain time frame for a company that meets the requirements based on the number of people it employs?

I used it recently when my mom was undergoing radiation and too weak to drive herself. It's unpaid, but my company allows us to use either sick leave or vacation time. I was allowed to skip lunch and leave an hour early to avoid using my accrued time.

[WannaBreatheYou]

I know people who have gotten short term disability payments while on maternity leave when they're vacation/sick time was gone.

[Whoda Thunk?]

I know people who have gotten short term disability payments while on maternity leave when they're vacation/sick time was gone.

I think where I work, you have to be out for more than six weeks for that to kick in. Doesn't make sense to me because most people only take six weeks.