Register

Sign in with Facebook

Sign in with Twitter

Create an account

logo

Breastfeeding

Health

Nutrition

Safety

Shop

All

in the news

Washington State Implements Family Leave Act

©iStockphoto.com/lostinbids

©iStockphoto.com/lostinbids

more articles

©iStockphoto.com/najin

Got Breast Milk?

by Amy Spangler
July 23, 2007

Washington State has joined California in legislating paid family leave. They are the only two states to have done so.

Effective October 2009, parents of newborn and newly adopted children will be able to take up to five weeks off work with a benefit of $250 per week, pro-rated for part-time workers. Employees must work 680 hours or more to qualify for the benefit.

Senate Bill 5659 also requires employers to hold workers’ jobs open while they are on leave, with an exception for employers with less than 25 employees.

MomsRising, a grassroots organization, was instrumental in securing passage of the bill, sending over 14,000 letters to elected officials. The power of one mom and one baby at a time was reflected in the Power of ONEsie campaign.

  • McKenzie Hixson

    I think this is a great step forward. However, is there anything in place for new mothers right now? I am due in March of 2009 and would like to know if there is anyway this new family leave act will benefit my situation. If anyone has information, please let me know! Thanks.

  • http://knoxvilleinsurance.blogspot.com Lin

    Interesting to know.

blog comments powered by Disqus