Seattle plan would require all workers get paid family leave

Seattle city leaders are considering a plan to expand paid family leave for private-sector employees.

Councilmember Lorena González unveiled the proposal Tuesday after several working sessions with the business community.

The plan would:

• Require all employers in Seattle to offer employees up to 26 weeks of paid family leave in the event of birth, adoption, or caring for a sick family member.
• Require that employees would get 100 percent of their wages up to $1,000 a week.
• Mandate up to 12 weeks of paid sick leave for workers.
• The plan would be paid for by contributions from the employer and employees.
• Self-employed workers could also opt-in to the program.

Read the full proposal here.

The Washington State legislature is also considering two competing bills for paid family and parental leave.

A Democratic bill would allow workers to take up to 26 weeks of paid family leave for a new child or sick family member. The Republican version calls for up 12 weeks by 2023.

González said
before pushing for Seattle to go it alone, she'll wait to see whether the Washington State legislature creates a statewide policy.

Seattle City Council voted in February to offer city employees up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.

Cox Media Group