Hochul reaches deal with state unions on 12-week paid parental leave

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced an agreement with three of the largest state employee unions to expand fully paid parental leave benefits to 12 weeks.

If approved, the expanded paid parental leave will be available to more than 52,000 employees, or more than 80% of the state workforce. The pending contract agreements are with the Civil Service Employees Association, the Public Employees Federation and the United University Professions; the union memberships need to ratify the agreements.

“No one should have to choose between a paycheck and caring for their newborn child,” Hochul said. “In my State of the State, I put forward a nation-leading proposal to offer fully paid parental leave benefits to New York State employees ”” and today we are making good on that promise. By extending fully paid parental leave to over 80% of state employees, New York is leading by example and providing a critical line of support for hardworking families.”