If you are a parent and work a full-time job, then you know what I am about to say. The incredible toll a family newborn takes can only be described as an overwhelming blessing that requires all hands on deck. Teamster Nabil Al-Zoqari from Laz Parking is soon to be the father to a newborn and is preparing for that time by scheduling time off from work. Time that he is entitled to take because of the (FMLA)Family Medical Leave Act.
So last week, Nabil and his steward, Ghebreyesus, met with Business Agent James Long and Laz Parking to make sure it was clear to the company that Nabil wanted to claim some of his FMLA leave. Without union support and representation, workers at non-union companies might not even know that the FMLA exists or would not have the confidence to exercise this option. FMLA entitles workers to take up to 12 weeks off for medical-related life events like childbirth.
This is an example of the everyday work Teamsters do for its members. Helping you navigate the ups and downs of life, like the birth of a child.
So join us as we congratulate Nabil on his newborn child and wish him well in those first critical weeks when that little baby needs to be surrounded by mom and dad.
History of the Federal Medical Leave Act
Prior to 1993, governments and legislators were not up to speed on the new nuclear family. Mom doesn’t stay home any more, both parents work full time jobs, and having a child was seen by many corporations as an impediment to their bottom line profitability. Workers couldn’t take leave for newborns or other medical circumstances without facing the threat of termination.
However, in 1993, under the leadership of President Bill Clinton, the Family Medical Leave Act was voted by Congress and signed into law. Almost entirely driven by democratic Senators and Congressmen, this legislation prevented corporations from terminating employees wishing to take leave for medical reasons or, in this case, a newborn baby and gave them this protection for up to 12 weeks.
It is this law that keeps Nabil and other Teamsters safe from the threat of termination when faced with a life-changing medical event.
