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Paid Parental Leave

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Introduction The topic of PPL is one that has been under much scrutiny in the last 15 years. This paper will focus on the landscape regarding this issue in the United States, citing other countries for reference in regards to how and or why or why not a substantial change in Paid Parental Leave (PPL) is needed. The subject has typically trended in favor of increased Parental Leave Policies in the US, arguing for an increase similar to European counterparts for both men and women. There are also health benefits that impact men, women, and equally importantly, the children, that can come from comprehensive & strategically developed PPL plans. The progression towards PPL policies, perhaps at a Federal and State level are an attempt to improve business conditions, the work-life balance and wellbeing of mothers and fathers, the overall health of mothers, fathers, and children, and the progressive increase to Economic …show more content…
The current Family Medical Leave Act allows up to 12 weeks of leave per year to care for family members; this leave, however is unpaid. Additionally, the United States is one of nine OECD countries that have yet to recognize (Kurtzleben 2015). Additionally, to Parental Leave, paid and unpaid, the U.S. does not mandate Vacation days for workers and only grants 10 federally recognized holidays, which are not guaranteed to all workers. Similar results apply to sick days – the U.S. is unique in that it does not mandate sick leave. Despite the Federal Government not mandating, U.S. states can and have mandated minimums on certain leave policies to its employees. For example, in California, beginning on July 1, 2015, an employee who works in California for 30 or more days is entitled to paid sick leave. Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of one hour per every 30 hours worked and may be capped at 6

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