US Sick Leave In Global Context: US Eligibility Rules Widen Inequalities Despite Readily Available Solutions

• DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2021.00731
• Publication Date: 2021-07-26T19:50:12Z
• Authors: Jody Heymann; Aleta Sprague; Alison Earle; Michael McCormack; Willetta Waisath; Amy Raub
• Keywords: Family Leave

Research has demonstrated that paid sick leave reduces the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases improves preventive care access to treatment across a wide range conditions. However, US no national policy, even unpaid via Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) 1993—often viewed as foundation for new legislation—is often inaccessible workers. We analyzed data from nationally representative survey determine extent which specific FMLA features produce gaps disparities in access. then used comparative policy 193 countries analyze whether these are necessary or prevalent globally, there common alternatives. found FMLA's minimum hours requirement disproportionately excludes women, whereas its tenure Black, Indigenous, multiracial Latinx workers also face greater exclusion because employer size requirements. Of 94 percent provide permanent leave, none broadly restrict based on size, 93 cover part-time without requirement. Enacting is accessible regardless tenure, critical feasible.