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MrsPJB2007
MBA at your service!
Member since 7/06 12020 total posts
Name:
MJ
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Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
So I was watching the Today Show--and they were discussing a recent study of 173 countries around the world---and out of 173--only 4 nations did not have a national policy for PAID maternity leave for mothers. These countries:
United States
Swaziland
Liberia
Papa New Guinea
It went on to say that yes, while the U.S. has the FLMA to protect mothers to have TIME OFF for their jobs--that it doesn't guarantee it for the 60% of the future moms who work for a company that has less than 50 employees. (FMLA states employers don't have to give time off if the company has less than 50 people) And obviously it doesn't guarantee any paid time during your time off. It also went on to say that only 5 states in the U.S. offer Temporary Disability payments for your time out of work---approx. 6 weeks--and you only receive about 50% of your salary. (NY is one of those states).
Only about 8% of all moms to be work for companies that give full paid maternity leave.
Now--this stuff was just angering me and I'm not even pregnant!! I figured I'd toss these little facts over to you lovely ladies -- since it seems the U.S. is still very backwards in their treatment of working moms.
Any thoughts?
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Posted 2/4/08 10:03 AM  |
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chikita315
Love
Member since 8/06 7945 total posts
Name:
M-lo
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
My thoughts = it sux
Then people wonder why so many single moms need WIC, and assistance programs.
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| Posted 2/4/08 10:12 AM |
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BunnyBaby
Loving Motherhood!!!
Member since 11/07 1238 total posts
Name:
Audrina
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
Repulsive. 
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| Posted 2/4/08 10:13 AM |
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OMGBFP
LIF Infant
Member since 1/08 217 total posts
Name:
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
This (& their government issued health insurance) makes me want to move to Canada.
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| Posted 2/4/08 10:15 AM |
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Sassyz75
Turning a new page
Member since 5/05 9731 total posts
Name:
Dina
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
I think we live in a country that is geared toward employer and not employee. Small businesses (those with less that 50 workers) cry to the government b/c they say offering paid maternity and guaranteed time off would hurt them financially. Big companies don't want to do too much for their employees and spend the money that should be going to their shareholders instead.
The whole thing comes down to greed- wanting to squeeze out every red cent in profit instead of giving it back to those who broke their backs to maket he businesses what they are.
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| Posted 2/4/08 10:16 AM |
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vegalady
Love my family
Member since 6/06 4546 total posts
Name:
SNV
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
It really does suck here in the US. I always feel that the US doesnt really value family as much as they should. I work for a dept. that works with international scholars and those that have wives who are pregnant (especially those from Europe) have told me their wives get 9 months paid maternity leave. I should move to Europe.
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| Posted 2/4/08 10:18 AM |
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meghanmetz
LIF Adolescent
Member since 5/05 525 total posts
Name:
Meghan
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
We live in a capitalist society, period. Forcing small to provide for paid time off would cripple many of them, not because of greed, but because they are smaller and many simply dont have the resources tp pay someone that isnt producing. Plenty of large and small companies give very generous maternity packages.
Does it stink for new moms, of course! But forcing companies to provide it would simply be passed onto the consumer in other forms.
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| Posted 2/4/08 10:21 AM |
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mrsej
The cutest!
Member since 1/07 2495 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
It makes me sick especially because I work for NY state and don't get paid maternity leave...if the government doesn't support pregnany women, how can we expect private companies to. The main reason I work for the government is not the pay, but the benefits and I am slowly realizing how sucky they are.
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| Posted 2/4/08 10:22 AM |
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CookiePuss
Cake from Outer Space!
Member since 5/05 14021 total posts
Name:
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
It's horrible. Even FMLA is a joke. I think I am currently training my replacement and won't have a job after this baby. This country's perspective on parenting is so backward.
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| Posted 2/4/08 10:22 AM |
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OMGBFP
LIF Infant
Member since 1/08 217 total posts
Name:
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
Posted by meghanmetz
Does it stink for new moms, of course! But forcing companies to provide it would simply be passed onto the consumer in other forms.
This wouldn't happen if it was government subsidized.
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| Posted 2/4/08 10:23 AM |
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CookiePuss
Cake from Outer Space!
Member since 5/05 14021 total posts
Name:
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
Posted by meghanmetz
We live in a capitalist society, period. Forcing small to provide for paid time off would cripple many of them, not because of greed, but because they are smaller and many simply dont have the resources tp pay someone that isnt producing. Plenty of large and small companies give very generous maternity packages.
Does it stink for new moms, of course! But forcing companies to provide it would simply be passed onto the consumer in other forms.
Salary is an off the top deduction and wouldn't effect year end profits at all. I work for a smaller company and their paying my salary during maternity leave would not cripple them in the least.
In addition, a study was recently done and has shown that providing benefits to working moms and dads, such as telecommuniting, flex time and paid time off actually saves the company money because staff turnover and training is much more expense to a company.
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| Posted 2/4/08 10:27 AM |
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mrsej
The cutest!
Member since 1/07 2495 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
Posted by shamrock124
Posted by meghanmetz
We live in a capitalist society, period. Forcing small to provide for paid time off would cripple many of them, not because of greed, but because they are smaller and many simply dont have the resources tp pay someone that isnt producing. Plenty of large and small companies give very generous maternity packages.
Does it stink for new moms, of course! But forcing companies to provide it would simply be passed onto the consumer in other forms.
Salary is an off the top deduction and wouldn't effect year end profits at all. I work for a smaller company and their paying my salary during maternity leave would not cripple them in the least.
In addition, a study was recently done and has shown that providing benefits to working moms and dads, such as telecommuniting, flex time and paid time off actually saves the company money because staff turnover and training is much more expense to a company.
Very good points about the turn over and training aspects! The internet/email should be used to help women work from home more.
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| Posted 2/4/08 10:30 AM |
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Xelindrya
Mommy's little YouTube Star!
Member since 8/05 14470 total posts
Name:
Veronica
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
I still want a kid
*shrug*
I feel lucky to live in this country. Damned lucky to offer my child so much more than a few weeks of my pay.
I get to keep my job which is great and I feel privilaged to say my child is American.
What more can I say?
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| Posted 2/4/08 10:33 AM |
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Superkat
More a stranger than a friend
Member since 5/06 9730 total posts
Name:
K
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
I think it sux big fat cow patties. We are supposed to be a country that LEADS the way in equality but we ignore the future of our country by not taking care of the mothers of children.
I work for a company with over 40,000 employees. My maternity "benefits" are non-existent. If I PAY for short term disability, I can get up to 6 weeks off at 70% of my salary. Gee, thanks for nothing.
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| Posted 2/4/08 11:03 AM |
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mooshyboo
So Blessed!
Member since 11/07 6297 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
It stinks 
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| Posted 2/4/08 11:12 AM |
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MrsFlatbread
Skinny jeans are in my future
Member since 6/06 10258 total posts
Name:
Baby Momma
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
Posted by Xelindrya
I still want a kid
*shrug*
I feel lucky to live in this country. Damned lucky to offer my child so much more than a few weeks of my pay.
I get to keep my job which is great and I feel privilaged to say my child is American.
What more can I say?
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| Posted 2/4/08 11:13 AM |
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chikita315
Love
Member since 8/06 7945 total posts
Name:
M-lo
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
Posted by Xelindrya
I still want a kid
*shrug*
I feel lucky to live in this country. Damned lucky to offer my child so much more than a few weeks of my pay.
I get to keep my job which is great and I feel privilaged to say my child is American.
What more can I say?
I don't think anyone here is doubting their patriotism or American pride.
Facts are facts and the healthcare/benefits situation in this country is lackluster at best.
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| Posted 2/4/08 11:21 AM |
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CookiePuss
Cake from Outer Space!
Member since 5/05 14021 total posts
Name:
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
Posted by Xelindrya
I get to keep my job which is great and I feel privilaged to say my child is American.
What more can I say?
Not everyone gets to keep their jobs. Lots of moms work for companies that aren't required to comply with FMLA, like my own.
Message edited 2/4/2008 11:26:53 AM.
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| Posted 2/4/08 11:21 AM |
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Preguntas
it's pretty precious
Member since 1/07 3839 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
Posted by shamrock124
Posted by Xelindrya
I get to keep my job which is great and I feel privilaged to say my child is American.
What more can I say?
Not everyone gets to keep their jobs. Lots of moms work for companies that aren't required to comply with FMLA, like me own.
and like me.
Yet I still love America.
You can love something and complain about it. Like you can love being pregnant, but complain about doctors appointments.
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| Posted 2/4/08 11:27 AM |
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Superkat
More a stranger than a friend
Member since 5/06 9730 total posts
Name:
K
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
Posted by chikita315
Posted by Xelindrya
I still want a kid
*shrug*
I feel lucky to live in this country. Damned lucky to offer my child so much more than a few weeks of my pay.
I get to keep my job which is great and I feel privilaged to say my child is American.
What more can I say?
I don't think anyone here is doubting their patriotism or American pride.
Facts are facts and the healthcare/benefits situation in this country is lackluster at best.
Exactly right Marlo. I knew that my company had lousy benefits and I still chose to get pregnant. HOWEVER, that does not change the fact that the systems sux. How can anyone celebrate that we don't even have STANDARDS that we enforce as a country?
Why is it that maternity benefits are enforced at a state level instead of a federal level? Why is California leading the way with maternity benefits and we are ok that people in the neighboring states don't have the same standards?
I refuse to be blinded by "patriotism" and believe that everything that exists in the U.S. is the best in the world. There is always room for improvement and always room to make it better.
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| Posted 2/4/08 11:34 AM |
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headoverheels
s'il vous plaît
Member since 6/07 42079 total posts
Name:
LB
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
Posted by Preguntas
Posted by shamrock124
Posted by Xelindrya
I get to keep my job which is great and I feel privilaged to say my child is American.
What more can I say?
Not everyone gets to keep their jobs. Lots of moms work for companies that aren't required to comply with FMLA, like me own.
and like me.
Yet I still love America.
You can love something and complain about it. Like you can love being pregnant, but complain about doctors appointments.
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| Posted 2/4/08 11:35 AM |
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Porrruss
Nya nya nya
Member since 5/05 11618 total posts
Name:
Amy
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
Posted by Preguntas
Posted by shamrock124
Posted by Xelindrya
I get to keep my job which is great and I feel privilaged to say my child is American.
What more can I say?
Not everyone gets to keep their jobs. Lots of moms work for companies that aren't required to comply with FMLA, like me own.
and like me.
Yet I still love America.
You can love something and complain about it. Like you can love being pregnant, but complain about doctors appointments.
 
I think it's very sad that out of 170+ countries we are one of FOUR that are still not offering this benefit. It's pathetic what the state of families and education are in this the so-called richest country in the world.
Being patriotic has nothing to do with it.
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| Posted 2/4/08 11:50 AM |
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SoinLove
Making big changes
Member since 5/05 16541 total posts
Name:
Kristin
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
Check this out:
Parental leave
US is the only one with a big fat goose egg. I think it's really sad.
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| Posted 2/4/08 12:01 PM |
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OMGBFP
LIF Infant
Member since 1/08 217 total posts
Name:
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
Posted by Superkat
Exactly right Marlo. I knew that my company had lousy benefits and I still chose to get pregnant. HOWEVER, that does not change the fact that the systems sux. How can anyone celebrate that we don't even have STANDARDS that we enforce as a country?
Why is it that maternity benefits are enforced at a state level instead of a federal level? Why is California leading the way with maternity benefits and we are ok that people in the neighboring states don't have the same standards?
I refuse to be blinded by "patriotism" and believe that everything that exists in the U.S. is the best in the world. There is always room for improvement and always room to make it better.
Couldn't have said it better myself!
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| Posted 2/4/08 12:02 PM |
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MrsPJB2007
MBA at your service!
Member since 7/06 12020 total posts
Name:
MJ
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Re: Study of 173 Countries: US 1 of 4 that doesn't offer Paid Maternity Leave...thoughts?
Posted by Porrruss
I think it's very sad that out of 170+ countries we are one of FOUR that are still not offering this benefit. It's pathetic what the state of families and education are in this the so-called richest country in the world.
Being patriotic has nothing to do with it.
yeah--exactly. i don't want to confuse patriotism with rights that so many other countries extend to their citizens. i think you can LOVE america but hate certain policies like this one.
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| Posted 2/4/08 12:02 PM |
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