New Mexico needs family and medical paid leave

As a cherished family-owned and operated restaurant, Café Castro has been dishing out delectable Northern New Mexican cuisine for over three decades. Yet, beyond the mouthwatering flavors, there’s a pressing issue that resonates not only within our business but across our entire state — a need for comprehensive paid family and medical leave.

Throughout the years, we’ve weathered numerous challenges, but what keeps us motivated is the desire to give back to our community. Our commitment to the community extends to our employees as well. We understand that our staff members are integral to our success, and we value their hard work and dedication. Currently, we do our best to support our employees by using the state’s existing paid sick leave program when they need it.

Unfortunately, our employees lack a more robust paid leave program for unexpected life events. This means that many of our employees are left without a safety net in times of family or medical emergencies.

One of the things we’re most proud of is our strong workplace community; we haven’t faced significant challenges in retaining employees due to family or medical circumstances. However, this is not solely a result of our own efforts but also a testament to the dedication and commitment of our staff. Yet, we recognize that offering paid family and medical leave could further enhance employee retention and satisfaction by allowing employees to tap into an innovative insurance program that would cover their wages, completely or partially, during a family or medical emergency instead of employers footing the bill during those trying times for their employees.

Funding for this insurance program will happen, thanks to contributions from both employees and employers, often through a small payroll deduction. The Department of Workforce Solutions will then administer and approve paid family and medical leave benefits, ensuring that the process is efficient and straightforward for both employees and employers. Employers with five or fewer employees, or who currently offer a benefit similar to paid family and medical leave, will be exempted from making contributions.

I believe that offering paid family and medical leave would make Café Castro more attractive to potential employees. In our industry, where the competition for skilled workers is fierce, providing such a benefit could set us apart and draw more dedicated individuals to our team.

Beyond recruitment and retention, we see numerous advantages in terms of reduced turnover and recruitment costs with such leave in place. A happier and healthier workforce is more productive, and their loyalty contributes to the stability and success of our business. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to stay with an employer, which ultimately benefits everyone involved.

With the 2024 legislative session on the horizon, I urge New Mexico lawmakers to consider the positive impact that paid family and medical leave can have on businesses like Café Castro and our broader community. It’s time to prioritize the needs of our families and employees, and by doing so, we can create a brighter future for all New Mexicans.