Allegheny County Board of Health approves paid parental leave proposal
PITTSBURGH —
The Allegheny County Board of Health has approved a proposal for paid parental leave after months of public feedback, sending it to the county council for a final vote.
Supporters of the proposal say it will benefit workers in the county.
“We all deserve access to high-quality health care. We all deserve access to clean environments, and we all deserve access to be able to care for our families. And that is the very baseline that we can give to our communities,” said Camila Rivera-Tinsley of Swisshelm Park.
The revised paid leave proposal reduced the original proposal for paid leave for new parents from 18 weeks to 12 weeks and adjusted eligibility requirements.
“I think it’s important to remember that this board exists to consider the public health concerns and the public health considerations,” said Joylette Portlock, chair of the Board of Health.
The plan would apply only to employers with 15 or more workers. Full-time employees would need at least six months of employment to qualify, while part-time workers would need to log 625 work hours.
The proposal also includes a six-month implementation period.
The plan applies to those who work in Allegheny County, including remote workers whose companies are based in other states.
The proposal now goes to the county council for a final vote. It would then need to be signed by County Executive Sara Innamorato.