| Popis: |
This Article represents the first empirical analysis of the possible effects that the Family Medical and Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) had on medical leave-taking patterns within the general population. I estimate changes in work-leave rates for both one’s own illness and family members’ medical conditions through the natural experiment created by the existence of state-level FMLA-like statutes before 1993. Applying two identification strategies to an original, more finely-tuned coding of state laws and using the previously unexploited Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) from 1987 through 2006, I find no robust evidence that the FMLA affected either form of leave-taking. In light of this “null” result, I consider several possible explanations and discuss more general lessons for the empirical study of employment rights laws. I also argue, contrary to many accounts of the FMLA’s failure, that a null finding may be consistent with the FMLA having generated benefits for covered employees even if the statute did not increase leave-taking rates. |
