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What I've Been Reading This Week: Paid Parental Leave Edition


It seems like this election cycle, either minimum wage or parental leave have been one of the more discussed labor & employment law topics.  Given Donald Trump's announcement a few weeks ago of his proposed paid maternity leave plan, I think it is a good idea to take a look at the broader issue:   Paid maternity leave (or the lack thereof) in the U.S.

As always, below are a couple article that caught my eye this week.


Chobani Announces New Parental Leave Plan

Chobani, one of the leading yogurt makers, announced earlier this month a new parental leave plan that would prove for six weeks of fully paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers at the company.  As Michael Addady writes, this expansive new policy applies to both salary and hourly workers...and even applies to those workers who adopt a child.  Given that the U.S. is the only industrialized country that does not require employers provide paid parental leave for new parents, this move by Chobani is somewhat groundbreaking.


California Governor Gerry Brown Vetoes Paid Parental Leave Bill

At the end of September, California Governor Gerry Brown vetoed a bill that would have extended paid parental leave to many workers in the state.  Under the proposed bill, employers with 20 or more employees would be required to offer six weeks of paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers (including those parents who adopted a child).   Note, California currently requires paid parental leave for employers with 50 or more employees.  Mollie Reilly over at The Huffington Post points out that the Governor vetoed the bill on the grounds that it would harm small businesses.  Odd, given that the Governor has had no qualms with raising minimum wage rates in the state...which also could potentially harm smal businesses...

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