Schatz, Colleagues Introduce Legislation To Provide Paid Family, Medical Leave For Federal Employees

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai'i) led a group of 8 senators in introducing the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act, legislation to expand federal paid leave to include 12 weeks of family and medical leave. In addition to Schatz, the bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.).

"Right now, our laws are forcing federal workers to make the impossible choice between caring for their families and keeping their jobs," said Senator Schatz. "Our bill will provide federal workers with 12 weeks of paid leave, giving them the time they need to take care of their own health and their loved ones."

Currently, under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employees in the private sector can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a newborn or an ill family member without fear of losing their jobs. For federal employees, while parental leave is paid due to the passage of Senator Schatz's Federal Employee Paid Leave Act in 2019, family and medical leave continues to be unpaid.

Studies have shown that providing paid leave for federal employees would save the government at least $50 million annually in turnover and replacement costs. With federal agencies struggling to recruit and retain young talent, family-friendly policies are necessary to maintain a robust workforce. Just six percent of the federal workforce is under the age of 30, while roughly 40 percent of the workforce is eligible to retire within the next three years.

The Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act will guarantee 12 weeks of paid family leave for federal employees in all instances covered by the FMLA, including:

1. In order to care for the spouse, child, or parent of the employee, if such spouse, child, or parent has a serious health condition;
2. Because of a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the functions of the employee's position; and
3. Because of any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that the spouse, child, or parent of the employee is on covered active duty (or has been notified of an impending call or order to covered active duty) in the Armed Forces.

The Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act is supported by the American Federation of Government Employees, National Treasury Employees Union, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, National Federation of Federal Employees, NARFE, National Association of Letter Carriers, American Postal Workers Union, and American Association of University Women.

"AFGE thanks Senator Brian Schatz for once again championing federal workers and their families by reintroducing the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act. Expanding paid family and medical leave ensures federal employees never have to choose between caring for themselves or a loved one and serving the American people. This legislation will strengthen the federal workforce, improve employee retention, and help the government remain a competitive employer for the dedicated public servants our nation depends on," said Everett Kelley, National President of the American Federation of Government Employees.

"Federal employees should never have to choose between caring for their loved ones and paying their bills on time. The Comprehensive Paid Family Leave Act would provide federal workers with the flexibility and support they need during some of life's most significant moments. As the federal government works to attract and retain talented public servants, providing comprehensive paid family leave is both the right thing to do and a smart investment in the workforce. NTEU is proud to endorse this legislation and appreciates Senator Schatz's continued leadership in advancing policies that strengthen the federal workforce and support working families," said Doreen Greenwald, National President of the National Treasury Employees Union.

The text of the bill is available here.

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