Obama: Workplace flexibility is a basic need

Senator Barack Obama at a public appearance for MALVERN. Barack Obama US Presidential Campaign Trail, Great Valley High School Town Hall Meeting, Malvern, PA, Apr 09, 2008. Everett Collection / Shutterstock

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says child care, family leave and workplace flexibility aren’t frills, they’re basic needs.

In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama is lamenting workplace policies that he says are outdated. He says the U.S. is one of just three countries that don’t require paid maternity leave.

Obama says some businesses are pursuing family friendly policies. But he says the U.S. must make it easier for parents and those with sick relatives to stay in the workplace. He says something’s wrong when hard workers must choose between work and family.

Obama plans to hold a summit on working families on Monday.

In the Republican address, Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan says Obama’s record on energy development is abysmal.

He says the U.S. must build an infrastructure that will lead to energy abundance.