New legislation has been proposed to enact a policy of paid family leave for employees of Albany County.
The county presently requires employees use accrued time rather than compensate individuals when they take time off following pregnancy or adoption of a child. Albany County Legislator Chris Higgins says in today's economy, taking unpaid time off is a luxury, virtually impossible, regardless of the situation.
"The proposal would allow employees to take up to two months of paid leave upon the birth or adoption of a child. This is a benefit that would be new to the county workforce. It would affect over 1800 workers"
The resolution will be introduced at the February meeting of the county legislature and subsequently referred to committee. The County Department of Management and Budget estimates costs associated with this proposal to be approximately $368,000 annually.
