'Family Time' Act Passes Through Subcommittee

The act, sponsored by Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL), is designed to give employees more flexibility in balancing home and work responsibilities.  The working arrangement, known as “family time,” would extend family time benefits to hourly paid private sector workers, according to a news release.

“This bill is a ‘win-win’ for working parents, who will have the option to choose when and how to spend more time with their families, and for our nation’s employers, who will be able to offer such benefits and see increased productivity, loyalty, and retention of valued employees,” said subcommittee Chairman Representative Charles Norwood (R-GA).

Under the family time legislation proposal, non-salaried workers, through a voluntary agreement with their employer, could opt for paid time off as compensation for working overtime hours.  Comparatively, public sector employees have had this option available to them for 15 years.

The bill now awaits action by the full committee.