By Kevin Deutsch
The Margate City Commission on Wednesday approved a paid parental leave policy for city employees, giving them up to 12 weeks of paid leave for births, adoptions, and placements of foster children.
City officials said the new policy aims to support employees in balancing their work responsibilities with the demands of personal and family life.
“As a parent of a young child, I know how important it is to take time for your family during these crucial formative years,” said Margate Mayor Antonio Arserio. “The Paid Parental Leave will take a lot of the financial stress off the new parents and is a vital benefit that helps us retain and attract the best employees to serve our Margate residents.”
Under the new municipal law, called the Family Medical Leave Act, full-time and part-time workers employed by the city for at least 12 months—with a minimum of 1,250 work hours—are eligible to receive up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave on a sliding scale.
City officials said that eligible employees would receive 100 percent of their pay for the first four weeks, 50 percent for the second four weeks, and 25 percent for the third four weeks.
The law also allows parents the option of unpaid, job-protected leave for up to 12 weeks.
Those seeking more information can call the city at 954-935-5306.
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