<P> The bill was a major part of President Bill Clinton's agenda in his first term . Rapid growth in the workforce, including a large number of women joining, suggested a necessary federal regulation that would support the working class who desired to raise a family and / or required time off for illness related situations . President Clinton signed the bill into law on February 5, 1993 (Pub. L. 103--3; 29 U.S.C. sec. 2601; 29 CFR 825) to take effect on August 5, 1993 . </P> <P> The United States Congress passed the Act with the understanding that "it is important for the development of children and the family unit that fathers and mothers be able to participate in early childrearing...(and) the lack of employment policies to accommodate working parents can force individuals to choose between job security and parenting". It also stressed the Act was intended to provide leave protection for individuals "in a manner that accommodates the legitimate interests of employers". </P> <P> The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 generally applies to employers of 50 or more employees in 20 weeks of the last year . Employees must have worked over 12 months and 1250 hours in the last year (around 25 hours a week). However, employees "at which such employer employs less than 50 employees if the total number of employees employed by that employer within 75 miles of that worksite is less than 50 ." A worksite includes a public agency, including schools and state, local, and federal employers . The 50 employee threshold does not apply to public agency employees and local educational agencies . There are special hours rules for certain airline employees . </P> <P> Employees must give notice of 30 days to employers if birth or adoption is "foreseeable", and for serious health conditions if practicable . Treatments should be arranged "so as not to disrupt unduly the operations of the employer" according to medical advice . </P>

Who does the family medical leave act cover
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