SAN DIEGO–The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an on-site childcare study and expanded lactation policy.
Unfortunately, with a 3-2 vote, the Board opted not to move forward with a paid, eight weeks leave policy for new parents. The plan, proposed by Supervisor Gaspar, would have immediately implemented a paid parental leave policy. Unfortunately, despite state law which allows for paid time off for disability and bonding, nearly 35% of the County workforce is not eligible, including all Sheriff’s deputies. This creates an enormous financial burden on employees who want to have a family.
“No parent should have to choose between spending time with their newborn infant and going back to work to support their family” said Gaspar. “While I am pleased that the Board took a small step forward today on the idea of paid parental leave, my heart aches for the hundreds of employees who will go without this important benefit while this bureaucratic process plays out.”
Chairman Cox, along with Supervisors Jacob and Fletcher, chose not to approve the parental leave benefit for County employees saying they prefer to wait until the next scheduled labor union negotiations. There is no indication this policy will ever be implemented.
A broad coalition of regional leaders including the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, SD Workforce Partnership, Neighborhood House Association, Education Enrichment Systems and Parent Voices SD, the SD Milk Bank and the First Five Commission stood with Gaspar this morning in support of these items.
