After Minimum Wage Boost, Some DFLers Turn To Paid Leave
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP/WCCO) — Some Minnesota Democrats want to build on a successful push to raise the minimum wage by establishing a statewide paid family leave program.
Supporters say only 14 percent of workers have access to family leave.
Giving workers up to six weeks off for a birth, adoption or to take care of a sick relative will improve morale, boost productivity and ultimately save employers money, advocates say.
"Our workplace has changed. The nature of our working lives has changed," Rep. Ryan Winkler, DFL-Golden Valley, said Wednesday. "And so our workplace policies need to be updated to the modern reality that workers and families are facing."
Workers would contribute up to $78 per year out of their paychecks to fund the program, with companies matching that for each employee.
The proposal drew concern from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, which represents more than 2,400 businesses statewide.
"Mandating benefits hinders employers' flexibility to deal with individual employee circumstances, and is especially troublesome for small employers," Laura Bordelon, the chamber's senior vice president for advocacy, said in a statement. "Benefits should not be mandated; one size does not fit all."
The program would give Minnesotans at least two-thirds of their regular pay during time off. They'd get $1,000 per week at the most.
