WHEREAS:

Over 44 percent of the American labor force is female; and

WHEREAS:

Eighty percent of American women who work are currently of child-bearing age and 93 percent of those are likely to become pregnant at some point in their careers; and

WHEREAS:

In families where both parents are present, 89 percent are two-career families; and

WHEREAS:

A growing number of children are being reared in female-headed households; and

WHEREAS:

No legislation now guarantees job protection to those on leave because of short-term non work-related disabilities; and

WHEREAS:

Over 100 countries have laws that allow new mothers and/or fathers a job-protected leave at the time of childbirth with full or partial wage replacement; and

WHEREAS:

The United States is the only major industrialized nation without a national policy on parental or maternity leave; and

WHEREAS:

National blue ribbon panels have concluded that the problems encountered by working parents in providing care for their infants have reached such great proportions that they require "immediate national action;" and

WHEREAS:

Congressman Clay (D-MO) has introduced H.R. 4300, the "Parental and Medical Leave Act of 1986," which guarantees employees up to 18 weeks of unpaid parental leave upon the birth, adoption, or serious health condition of a child and also provides up to 26 weeks of temporary medical leave in cases involving the inability to work because of a serious condition.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That this 27th International Convention urge the Congress to pass legislation (1) guaranteeing job protection for all employees who are temporarily unable to work because of medical reasons, and (2) providing leave for parents to care for newborn, newly adopted, or seriously ill children.

SUBMITTED BY:

Virginia Diogo, Delegate
Local 257, Council 57
Redwood City, California