The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“THE INTRODUCTION OF THE WORKING FAMILIES' FLEXIBILITY ACT” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E529 on March 3, 2009.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
THE INTRODUCTION OF THE WORKING FAMILIES' FLEXIBILITY ACT
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HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY
of new york
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce the Working Families' Flexibility Act, which will ensure that working Americans can ask their employer for modified schedules so they can balance the demands of their jobs and their home life.
Modeled on successful legislation adopted in the United Kingdom, the legislation would give employees a right to request modification of their hours, schedule, or work location. It would require employers to seriously consider all such requests in a timely manner, and provide an explanation for requests that are denied. The bill also includes job protection for employees who make flexibility requests. Small businesses would be exempt from this bill, and the Department of Labor would be called upon to develop regulations for the flex-time process.
This bill will raise awareness of the rising need for flexible work schedules, and will protect employees who are nervous about requesting a change in schedule. Called the ``soft-touch'' law in the UK, it would not place undue burden on businesses, it only asks that they evaluate these requests and provide a response explaining their decision, whatever it is. Adopting a flexible workplace has been shown to reduce turnover, which helps employers cut costs and retain valuable employees. In the UK, over 80 percent of requests have been approved and over 80 percent of employers report no adverse effect from the legislation.
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