Issue “Worth Looking At”, Baker Says
In comments on Monday, the AP reported that Republican Governor Charlie Baker said Massachusetts should consider whether or not to offer all public employees paid parental leave. Baker said such a benefit is “something that’s worth looking at,” but that since taxpayer funds would be involved, it would need to be “affordable” if implemented. Baker’s comments come after recent announcements that workers in certain public offices will be offered parental leave. Earlier this month State Treasurer Deb Goldberg announced a new policy of 12 weeks’ paid parental leave for around 175 eligible treasury employees. State Attorney General Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh have also started offering new policies. In these cases, workers now have up to 6 weeks of paid parental leave. In each of the three cases, the policies apply to adoptions as well.
The Boston Globe reported that new employee leave policies are being implemented among private employers in Massachusetts as well, and there has been a struggle to adjust. Last November, voters approved a ballot measure implementing 40 hours of paid sick leave per year for any Massachusetts companies with at least 11 employees, even if those employees are seasonal or part time. This has granted one million workers statewide access to paid sick leave. However, small business groups note that confusion is prevalent, with some employers believing “the law doesn’t apply to them,” and many small businesses lacking “a human resources director who can decipher the complex regulations issued by the state.”
What This Means For Small Businesses
Labor costs have begun to place a greater burden on Massachusetts small business owners. By suggesting a further examination of the issue of paid parental leave, Baker’s comments are worrisome because they indicate that the state may expand costly public employee benefits, paid by taxpayers. Additionally, if public employees gain additional benefits, private employers may face additional pressure to implement similar policies
Additional Reading
NFIB previously covered paid parental leave in Massachusetts.
