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Washington, D.C.—The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) praised Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) today for introducing legislation that would allow federal employees to take paid leave to care for their newborn, newly-adopted or foster children.

The Schatz-Mikulski measure and a companion bill introduced in the House earlier this year by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) would ease the pressure on federal employees who struggle to be good parents and good public servants, NTEU National President Tony Reardon said.

“Federal employees shouldn’t have to choose between their paychecks and caring for their newest family members,” he said. “These proposals would align federal parental leave policies with the private sector and bring the U.S. closer in line with other industrialized nations.”

Studies show that paid parental leave reduces turnover, increases productivity, improves morale and reduces absenteeism. Large private employers such as Netflix and Microsoft expanded their paid parental leave policies in the past year. A federal parental leave policy will also help attract younger workers, who seek flexible, family-friendly workplaces, Reardon said.

“As the nation’s largest employer, the federal government must step up and make family leave real, not a mirage that few can afford to use,” President Reardon said. “NTEU will fight to get Congress to adopt a federal paid parental leave policy without delay. We will work closely with Sens. Schatz and Mikulski and Rep. Maloney, who have taken the lead on this important issue in Congress, to have it enacted.”

NTEU is the largest independent federal union, representing 150,000 employees in 31 agencies and departments.