What’s the one gift that would make most new dads happier this Father’s Day?
Paid parental leave.
NTEU believes that new moms AND dads should have time to care for the newest member of the family.
Every industrialized country in the world and many developing nations provide paid leave to new mothers. But not the United States. Many nations—again, with the exception of the United States— also have passed laws allowing new fathers to take paid leave.
More parents, both mothers and fathers, are juggling work and child care. The reality is that everyone benefits when new all parents are able to take time off.
Dads who stay home longer in the early weeks are more likely to stay involved in a child’s direct care as they get older, studies report. They also get to experience the joys of bonding time with a new child.
Moms benefit when dads take leave because they can get much-needed rest and recovery time. Studies have shown that increasing a father’s involvement in childcare promotes gender equality both in the home and workplace, and helps mothers stay in the workplace.
Workplaces also benefit. Again, studies show that paid parental leave reduces turnover, increases productivity, improves morale and reduces absenteeism. It would also help the federal government attract younger workers seeking family-friendly workplaces.
NTEU strongly supports paid parental leave and has testified numerous times on the issue, sharing with lawmakers the personal stories of our members needing the legislation to help balance work and family lives. Join us in telling Congress to show that the federal government truly values families by passing paid parental leave.