The National Partnership for Women & Families has conducted new research regarding the impact of paid leave policies on economic outcomes at state and national level. The study found that approximately 72% of Ohioans don’t have access to paid family leave through their employers, which translates to around 4.5 million workers, as per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. These employees are left with difficult decisions to make between work and family matters, consequently causing a negative impact on the economy.

Under the Family and Medical Leave Act, the only leave-related law that applies nationwide, pay is not assured and roughly half of the country’s workforce is ineligible for it based on their tenure of employment and allocated work hours. In Ohio alone, 60% of the workforce doesn’t qualify for the Family and Medical Leave Act, as revealed by the partnership study. According to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the Act applies to public agencies, local education agencies, and private businesses that employ 50 or more people who have successfully completed at least 20 weeks of employment in the current or preceding year. Eligible workers are entitled to a maximum of 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually.

The lack of paid leave for the majority of Ohio’s workforce renders the state less competitive and negatively affects the personal finances of Ohio residents in the long term, stated the partnership. The research findings were utilized to propose a national paid leave program that accommodates workers from all income levels and provides a sustainable funding source.

In case you want to get a hold of Paid Family Leave (PFL), going online is usually the best option. Ensure to prepare all your questions beforehand and keep the necessary information ready for discussion. Websites such as eddcaller.com provide valuable information on how to reach out to PFL efficiently and effectively. You can also find details about their contact times, phone numbers among other requirements. So, make sure to utilize such resources and prepare oneself adequately before making contact for a smoother and less daunting experience.