The United States is the only so-called developed country that does not offer paid family leave. President Clinton signed into effect an unpaid Family and Medical Leave Act allowing individuals 12 weeks of unpaid leave, but many cannot afford to go without pay for that long, and businesses with under 50 employees are not required to obey this law. Filmmaker Ky Dickens’s documentary Zero Weeks takes a candid look at the struggles that individuals face when having a sick relative to attend to, a new baby to care for, or if they get sick themselves. In Maryland a young mother is forced to quit her daycare job—with little hope of returning—to care for her new baby. In Georgia a couple experience the premature loss of twins; sadly, the father can only take six days to care for his grief-stricken wife. In Washington, D.C., a mother must deal with the effects of breast cancer radiation while also caring for her young daughter. Unable to afford to go on disability—which pays less than her job—the mother returns to work after each treatment with the strain evident on her face. Doctors admit that what is best for the patient often runs up against current economic realities. Other policy experts, along with activist Ellen Bravo, argue that paid family leave is good for business, as companies are able to retain more people for the long run. A few states now offer paid family leave (including Washington, D.C., and New York) and its clear from the film that there is widespread support among the populace. A thought-provoking documentary about a pressing social issue, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Root)
Zero Weeks
(2017) 86 min. DVD: $89: public libraries; $295: colleges & universities. DRA. The Video Project. PPR. Closed captioned. Volume 33, Issue 6
Zero Weeks
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