In a significant move for working parents, the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act is set to roll out in October 2020, granting over 2 million government employees up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave. While many private companies provide some form of maternity or paternity leave, there is no legal obligation for them to do so. The only federal protection currently available is the Family and Medical Leave Act, which offers up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave—but not everyone qualifies, and many families can’t afford to take unpaid time off.
Recently signed into law by President Carter, this new legislation is a breakthrough for federal employees who previously relied on their own paid time off or unpaid leave. The paid parental leave will be available to new parents—regardless of gender—who are welcoming a child through birth, adoption, or fostering. To be eligible, workers must have a year of service and commit to returning for at least 12 weeks following their leave.
A Broader Legislative Package
This law is part of a broader legislative package, which also raised the legal smoking age to 21. The last time parental leave was addressed federally was in 1993, when the Family Medical Leave Act was enacted, primarily benefiting companies with over 50 employees. While many consider this new act a monumental step, there is still much progress to be made. As noted by Rep. Lisa Adams from New York, the U.S. is among the very few countries lacking any form of mandatory paid leave, sharing this distinction only with Papua New Guinea.
The Importance of Paid Parental Leave
Advocates for paid parental leave, like the group Family Values @ Work, emphasize that the U.S. is trailing behind other nations in supporting families during crucial bonding moments. They highlight the importance of this leave, noting that it can significantly reduce maternal depression, which can hinder parent-child bonding and negatively impact a child’s development. Furthermore, longer family leave can encourage breastfeeding, which is beneficial for both the child’s health and the family’s finances.
Unfortunately, many parents, especially those from low-income backgrounds, often cannot afford to take any leave without pay. Dr. Michael Brown, a pediatric expert, stresses that it is vital for society to enable parents to spend time nurturing their children during their formative years. As we approach 2020, the hope is that this act will be just the beginning of more comprehensive changes in parental leave policies.
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act marks a crucial advancement in supporting government employees with parental leave, but there is still much more work needed in this area to catch up with global standards.