A test for paid family leave

Workforce, Sept, 2002 by Carroll Lachnit

What's this fall's "job killer" in California? According to the state Chamber of Commerce (www.calchamber.com), it's a bill that would make California the first in the nation to give workers paid time off to deal with family illnesses and adoptions.

The legislation, sponsored by state senator Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica), already has passed the Senate and at press time was awaiting action by the Assembly. Labor and women's groups back it; business organizations vehemently oppose it. It's unclear whether Governor Gray Davis, who is facing re-election in November, would sign it.

Why does this matter to HR nationwide? Similar bills have been introduced in 27 other states, including New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. A nonprofit Washington, D.C., group, the National Partnership for Women & Families (www.nationalpartnership.org), is pushing the measure. Most European countries also pay for such programs.

Under the legislation, the state disability insurance program would provide partial replacement compensation for up to 12 weeks of income to someone who takes family or medical leave. The program would be funded by both workers and businesses at an estimated average cost of $34 annually per worker, or $17 each from workers and employers if the cost were split, according to the state Employment Development Department.

At least one small-business owner says he's in favor of the legislation. "Productivity would increase because workers would not be affected by worrying about a loved one," Kenneth Lock of Santa Monica said in a letter to the Los Angeles Times.