County employees will now receive 12 weeks of paid leave

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – It’s a significant step in supporting Cuyahoga County employees and their families. Today, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne announced that employees under the Executive are now eligible to receive 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave to care for their newborn or newly adopted child. The previous policy allotted two weeks of paid leave and only to employees who were eligible for Family Medical Leave. Cuyahoga County Council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance.

“I want all Cuyahoga County employees to know that they are valued and supported, and that their quality of life is a top priority to my administration,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “The expansion of the Paid Parental Leave benefit is yet another step toward continuing to make the County a healthier, happier, and more inclusive place to work.”

The expanded eligibility criteria apply to all full-time and part-time benefits eligible employees who have worked for the County for at least 90 days. The new policy expands the duration of Paid Parental Leave so that employees will be paid 30 hours of Paid Parental Leave at their base rate of pay, for up to 12 weeks of continuous leave. Employees who do not have accrued paid leave available to supplement the remaining 10 hours are eligible to receive donated leave.

The ordinance will be in effect for non-bargaining employees. The eligibility of bargaining unit employees is subject to the terms of their respective collective bargaining agreement and Chapter 4117 of the Ohio Revised Code. The ordinance allows the County Executive to negotiate with bargaining units and execute side letters to provide the expanded Paid Parental Leave benefits.

“Extending the time allotted for Paid Parental Leave is the right thing to do, and I am very happy to see this change to our policy,” said Cuyahoga County Director of Human Resources, Sarah A. Nemastil. “Employees should be afforded time to bond with their new babies. Furthermore, this expansion promotes equality and opportunity within our workforce.”