(ALBANY, NEW YORK) - Governor Kathy Hochul has announced expansion of New York’s Nation-leading initiative to offer 12 weeks of fully paid Parental Leave Benefits to more than 80% of the State Workforce, fulfilling her State of the State commitment. 

As part of the Governor’s ongoing support for New York Workers and their families, this historic shift means that the majority of State Workers will have access to this crucial benefit for the first time in State History.

“No one should have to choose between a paycheck and caring for their newborn child,” Governor Hochul said. “In my State of the State, I put forward a Nation-leading proposal to offer fully paid Parental Leave Benefits to New York State Employees - and we are making good on that promise.  By extending fully Paid Parental Leave to over (80%) of State Employees, New York is leading by example and providing a critical line of support for hard-working families."

The Governor announced an agreement with the three largest State Unions to expand Paid Parental Leave. 

The Governor also announced a signed agreement with the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), which represents New York State Workers in a variety of roles, to expand Paid Parental Leave to more than more than 52,000 Employees.

The Governor also announced pending contract agreements with the Public Employees Federation (PEF), representing Public Employees with Professional, Scientific and Technical titles, and the United University Professions (UUP), representing workers in Higher Education, which include fully paid Parental Leave Benefits for Members.

If ratified, Workers will be eligible to receive 12 weeks of fully paid leave to use for bonding with a newborn, fostered, or adopted child.

Despite the well-documented positive benefits of Paid Parental Leave to maternal and infant health, as well as family economic security and workforce retention, the United States is the only developed country in the world without a national Paid Parental Leave Policy.

New parents and caregivers depend on a patchwork of various Federal, State and local leave policies, in addition to any employer-sponsored benefits.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Governor Hochul Announces Expansion of Nation-Leading Fully Paid Parental Leave Program, Covering More Than 150,000 New York State Employees | Governor Kathy Hochul (ny.gov)

Photo Courtesy Of Governor Hochul’s Office Via flickr