he DC City Council not only moved the Universal Paid Leave bill forward on December 6, but restored medical leave to the program. The proposal now includes eight weeks of parental leave, six weeks of family leave and two weeks of medical leave, making it one of the nation’s most generous packages of family and medical leave benefits. “Today’s vote demonstrates the power of families who united across the District around the shared need for vital benefits,” said Ward 7 resident Dyana Forester of UFCW Local 400 which represents grocery and retail workers of color. “Now it’s up to the Council and Mayor to take the final step to make it a reality.” The final vote on paid family leave is scheduled for December 20. Mayor Muriel Bowser has still not indicated if she will ultimately support the bill, which passed the Council's “committee of the whole” 11-2. “We are not done yet,” said Jaime Contreras of SEIU 32BJ. “Workers are counting on the Council and Mayor to keep their commitment to low-wage workers and communities of color during the final vote so it can become law.” photo courtesy DC Paid Family Leave
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