City’s First-Ever Paid Parental Leave Ordinance Should Be a given

 An ordinance has been filed to establish the first ever paid parental leave policy that will grant up to six weeks of leave for both men and women, as well as same-sex couples, who have worked for the City at least one year.

This ordinance will apparently help alleviate some pressure on working parents who have to make tough choices every day to do the best they can for their families, according to co-sponsor of the ordinance Councilor Michelle Wu.

 The bonding period between parents and a newborn is so important. This is the right ordinance for Boston and its families, according to Councilor Tim McCarthy, also a co-sponsor of the ordinance.

Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh has publicly stated he will sign the ordinance as soon as it passes the Council.

Councilor Sal LaMattina, whose district includes the North End, favors the parental leave policy and hopes that the business community will consider taking the same action.

The Review believes it is important for parents to be engaged in a child’s early life.

With some possible changes, the ordinance should make its way through the process in a timely fashion.