ATLANTA — The city of Atlanta passed new legislation Monday to expand who can use paid leave for family, and what qualifies for it.
Atlanta City Councilmember Matt Westmoreland praised the unanimous vote to upgrade city policy benefits.
“Those first weeks and months with a new child are irreplaceable. Parents should have the time to be present, bond with their children, and care for their families without having to choose between that time and a paycheck,” Westmoreland said in a statement. “As we work to make Atlanta the best place to raise every child, we’re building a city where families have the support they need to thrive from the very beginning.”
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Going forward, city employees will be able to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave related to childcare, the first change to parental leave policy in 11 years, according to the city.
Under the policy, employees who become parents by the following methods can benefit:
- Biological birth or surrogate birth
- Legal adoption of a child or children under 18
- Become foster parents to children under 18, whether through Georgia Division of Family and Children’s Services or related agencies
The policy change drew praise from advocates as well.
“Today is a day to celebrate progress for Atlanta’s families. Paid leave is both a maternal health intervention and good workforce policy, giving parents critical time for recovery, postpartum care, bonding, and infant well-being,” Margaret Master, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia Executive Director, said. “Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia was proud to serve on the Study Group and work alongside fellow members to help shape a strong policy that can serve as an example for other municipalities and employers across Georgia.”
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