County mulls wider paid parental leave

Nonunion workers would be granted it under a new policy.

Non-unionized Palm Beach County employees could soon get paid parental leave as they welcome the birth, adoption or foster care placement of a child.

With a push from County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay, the county is working on a change in policy that would grant such employees a six-week leave at full pay.

Such a policy would put the county in line with Miami-Dade County and other municipalities in Florida — West Palm Beach, Wellington, Miami Beach, Doral, St. Petersburg, Tampa — that already offer employees paid parental leave.

Large cities such as Atlanta; Boston; Minneapolis; Austin, Texas; Washington, D.C.; San Francisco and Seattle offer employees paid parental leave, as do the states of New Jersey, California and Rhode

Sick/vacation time; unpaid time through FMLA; birth mother can use long-term disability with 65 to 85 percent pay.

Maternity/paternity leave of up to three months with 65 percent to 100 percent pay.

Maternity/paternity leave of up to three months; sick leave must be used first.

Island, according to a review conducted by Palm Beach County staff.

County employees already can take vacation, sick leave and leave without pay through the Family and Medical Leave Act to welcome family additions, but the