6/9/09: Federal employees came one step closer to gaining paid parental leave last week when the House passed H.R. 626. This bill, introduced by Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), was designated a legislative priority by NTEU's Legislative Advisory Committee in January, and NTEU worked closely with the congresswoman to attain its passage. This measure will allow federal workers the ability to better balance family needs and work requirements as access to paid parental leave has become a necessity for today’s working families.

No parent should have to choose between a paycheck and a child. Many of our members have shared heart-wrenching stories of having to make such choices. We look forward to action in the Senate, where Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) has introduced a companion bill, S.354. As you know, in the coming years, federal agencies will be hiring many new workers. In order to compete with the private sector and attract and retain the best workers, federal benefits must be competitive. According to a March 2008 report by the Joint Economic Committee Majority Staff, nearly all Fortune 100 firms offer working parents some paid time off when they have a new child. In addition to the family benefits, a paid parental leave policy will save the government money by reducing turnover and replacement costs, which is estimated to be 25 percent of the worker’s salary.