New Employee Policy Offers Support for Parents, Families
September 04, 2018
City of Jacksonville Leading by Example with Family Friendly Parental Leave Option
This morning, Mayor Lenny Curry and his wife Molly joined City of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) officials at a news conference to announce a new employee policy that offers parents employed by the City six weeks of paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child.
“I believe all families deserve an environment where parents and newborns get an opportunity to bond without the worry of work demands and stresses of a reduced income,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “This new employee benefit recognizes the importance of our employees’ families, and the valuable bonding time after the birth or adoption of a child.”
Statistics support that paid leave can have a positive impact on the health of children and families. In addition to health benefits, there are also long-term economic benefits for both families and employers who offer paid leave. The benefit is available to both the father and mother of the child if both are City employees.
The preexisting policy limited eligible employees to taking up to 12 weeks of leave, utilizing their available leave in conjunction with unpaid leave following a birth, in adherence with Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) guidelines.
Tentative agreements have been reached by the City and union bargaining agents. Following ratification by City Council, expected in early October, the City of Jacksonville would be among few city governments in the state to offer a paid parental leave policy.
About the City of Jacksonville
The City of Jacksonville is the largest city by land mass in the continental United States, serving approximately 850,000 residents. Located in Duval County, City of Jacksonville leadership includes the mayor and a 19-member City Council. To learn more about the City of Jacksonville, visit COJ.net.