Non-union NYC employees to get 6 weeks of paid time off for parental leave

New parents will have one less thing to worry about in the new year when welcoming a new bundle of joy to their family.

Starting Jan.1 about 20,000 of the city’s non-union workers are expected to receive six weeks of paid time off for parental — maternity, paternity, adoption and foster care — leave.

During this time the employees will be able to receive 100 percent of their salary or up to 12 weeks total when combined with existing leave, such as sick time or vacation days.

“When new parents — women and men — are able to take time to care for their children without losing their jobs or their pay, it benefits families, communities and businesses by ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and compete regardless of parental status,” said Teresa C. Younger, president and CEO of Ms. Foundation for Women.

To provide these six weeks to all managerial and unrepresented employees, the city plans to remove two days of existing vacations from long-service workers and get rid of an existing 0.47 percent raise for managers scheduled for 2017.

“Too many new parents face an impossible choice: taking care of their child or getting their paycheck,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “New York City is leading by example, putting us at the forefront of paid parental leave policies around the country. This is a common sense policy that will make for healthier and more financially stable working families — making it good for employees and employers.”

The new policy does not include union workers although the mayor is said to be ready to “ immediately enter talks” with the city’s municipal unions in regards to them extending the rule to covered employees.

Henry Garrido, executive director of District Council 37, welcomed the news and hopes to soon work with the city to extend the policy to DC 37 members.

“As a parent of two children, I fully support the Mayor’s action today and look forward to engaging in collective bargaining with the city to ensure that our members also enjoy this vital benefit as soon as possible,” Garrido said.

A spokesman for the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association said they had not been informed of the new policy and declined to make comment.

199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East also declined to comment.