News Articles/Editorials

June 17, 2008

The Daily Press: Webb wants paid family leave for federal workers

Federal employees can now take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, but many parents cannot afford to do so

By: David Lerman

WASHINGTON
Virginia Sen. Jim Webb introduced legislation Monday to give federal employees four weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child.

Under the Family and Medical Leave Act passed during the Clinton administration, federal workers can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, but many cannot afford to forgo their pay to take time off.

"The legislation we introduced today is an issue of fairness for the working family," said Webb, a freshman Democrat.

"Paid parental leave will improve recruitment and retention for federal agencies."

Most Fortune 100 companies provide an average of six to eight weeks of paid parental leave, he said.

Virginia is home to more than 100,000 federal workers. Nationwide, there are an estimated 2.7 million federal employees.

"As the nation's largest employer, the federal government should be the leader in workplace policy," Webb said.

A defense policy bill passed by the Senate Armed Services Committee would provide 21 days of paid leave for members of the military.

Webb's new bill mirrors a measure already introduced in the House, which could vote on it later this week. Joining Webb in co-sponsoring the Senate version are Sen. John Warner, R-Va., Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., and Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., among others.

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