[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 186 (Thursday, December 6, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S14849-S14850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. KENNEDY (for himself, Mr. Dodd, Mrs. Clinton and Mr. 
        Obama):
  S. 2419. A bill to permit employees to request, and to ensure 
employers consider requests for, flexible work terms and conditions, 
and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, 
and Pensions.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, the American workplace has changed 
significantly in recent years. In the new global economy, many 
businesses are open around the clock--and employees often work long 
shifts and unpredictable hours. With computers and cell phones, 
employers can reach employees almost any time, anywhere. Hard economic 
times require many men and women to work longer hours or hold multiple 
jobs. Almost 8 million Americans now juggle the demands of at least two 
jobs, and tens of millions more find it increasingly difficult to 
achieve a fair balance between their work and their family.
  These and other shifts in our society mean that many Americans and 
their

[[Page S14850]]

families are stretched to the limit. Two-thirds of all families in our 
country are headed by either two employed parents or a single working 
parent, and parents are working outside the home longer hours than 
ever--an average of 91 hours a week for dual income couples.
  As the population ages, more and more Americans must also care for 
elderly parents and relatives. An aging population also means more 
older workers, who want to stay on the job, but don't want or can't 
manage long hours any more. Expanding populations in metropolitan areas 
mean longer commutes. A recent Gallup poll found that about a third of 
American workers spend an hour or more a day getting to and from work.
  Our working families deserve a 21st century answer for these 21st 
century job challenges. Greater flexibility is an essential part of the 
response. More than 80 percent of workers would like more flexibility 
in their jobs. Almost half of them, however, worry that asking for such 
flexibility will jeopardize their careers.
  The Working Families Flexibility Act I am introducing today will give 
employees the ability to ask for flexible arrangements without fear. 
Flexible scheduling will enable working parents to coordinate child 
care more effectively and spend more time with their children. It can 
even help workers be better parents. Studies show that parents with 
greater control over their schedules spend more time with their 
children.
  For employees with long commutes, telecommuting reduces stress and 
time wasted time wasted on the road. Many workers say they are just as 
productive at home, and sometimes even more so.
  Flexibility also lets more people stay in the workforce who otherwise 
could not. Often coming into the office for a traditional 8 hour day, 
five days a week isn't possible for elderly workers or persons with 
disabilities. With flexible scheduling and telecommuting, these workers 
can continue on the job.
  Flexibility is also good for business. Persons with flexible work 
arrangements are more reliable employees. In a recent survey, two- 
thirds of workers with flexible schedules missed less work because of 
such arrangements.
  They are also happier employees. Another study showed that almost 
three times as many workers in companies that offer flexibility felt 
satisfied with their jobs, compared to workers without such options. 
Companies that offer flexibility also discover that it helps them 
attract and retain better employees.
  The Working Families Flexibility Act brings workers and employers 
together to find creative ways to provide such flexibilities. Our 
legislation allows those who know their jobs best--the ones actually 
doing the work--to suggest changes as to when and where they do their 
work. It creates a process for workers and employers to come up with 
solutions that best fit their particular circumstances.
  We know that laws like this will benefit both employers and 
employees. Great Britain, Germany, and the Netherlands, have adopted 
similar laws with great success. 90 percent of British workers now have 
flexible work options, compare to only about a quarter of American 
workers. Last year 91 percent of British employers who had employee 
requests for flexibility were able to grant them. It is making the 
workers more satisfied with their jobs. Those who took advantage of 
flexibility were 50 percent more satisfied with their work arrangements 
than workers who did not.
  We all fill many roles in our lives. We are workers, parents, sons 
and daughters, and members of our communities. We struggle to do well 
in each responsibility. But when the demands of work overshadow the 
rest of our lives, our lives feel out of balance. This legislation 
gives millions of American workers the opportunity to restore that 
balance--to be good employees and responsible citizens and family 
members, too. They deserve no less.
                                 ______