In August, I met with our human resources director concerning the differences in sick leave usage policy between fathers and adoptive parents and for women who give birth to babies. Our policy currently notes that pregnant employees who give birth are allowed to use sick time for six weeks or as deemed necessary by a doctor. (This is in addition to disability time if the employee has paid into short term disability.) Conversely, fathers and those who adopt are allowed only ten days. Not only is this inequitable, I think it sets us up for a lawsuit (at least, on gender grounds).
Because of the governmental body I work for, making a change in policy requires literally legislative action and I was not feeling very hopeful that any change would be made, even though it would not cost a penny because employees would only be using sick time they actually accrue.
But today, the human respources director happened to be walking by my office and stopped in to tell me good news. The change in policy has been green-lighted by the management committe and all the way through leadership. The other legislative body has even agreed to it. So, it just has to be approved by the final _____ Commission. I really feel excited that I have made a difference, even if it's not something I ever use. It's the right thing to do.
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6 comments:
WOW, that's totally a miracle. I work for a government and understand how hard it is to get any policy changed.
Good for you! You should be reallhy proud of yourself. I don't think many people would have taken the steps you did
That really is great! We need more employers to start putting father's leave and leave for people who adopt on a level playing field with maternity leave policies.
Great job!
OMG that is WONDERFUL!!! Kudos to you girlie!!!
WOW! I'm so impressed. You must have made a very convincing argument. Congrats!
YAY FOR YOU! 10 days is absolutely ridiculous! We get the same amount either way. I've already fretted over that. ;-)
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