The law would make it illegal for employers to discriminate against parents in hiring, firing, pay and promotion. The proposal came about after a single mom in Massachusetts was fired for refusing to work overtime. New laws already burden those they don't benefit, holds Burkett, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act, which allows new parents to take a 12-week unpaid parental leave. While it may seem parents and non-parents are destined to duke it out until the kids are packed off to college, a recent study found there may not be all that much to fight about. Americans believe parents get a better deal when it comes to leaving work on time.
People think non-parents get a better deal when it comes to pay, promotions and plum assignments.
4 in 10 Americans have heard a co-worker complain that parents get a break at work, in terms of schedule, responsibilities or expectations. 1 in 3 Americans believe kids in the office are a distraction. Nearly 3 in 4 Americans rate their own workplace as pro-family. But 3 in 10 Americans believe it's unfair of employers to offer family-friendly benefits only some workers can use. All rights reserved.