Unified Government announces new family leave policy

Published on December 21, 2021

On Thursday, December 16, 2021, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS (UG) announced the paid childbirth and parental leave policy for employees. This two-part policy, providing up to ten weeks of paid family leave, will help address the Unified Government’s focus of having a work/life balance for families. These newly adopted policies will take effect starting January 1, 2022.

“Offering paid parental leave is the right thing to do for our employees and their families,” said Commissioner Angela Markley, Chair of the Administration and Human Services Standing Committee, which reviewed and approved the policy at the December 6 Committee meeting. “Research clearly shows that employees who have access to family leave return to work healthier, happier and more productive, with better outcomes for parents and children,” continued Commissioner Markley.

Mayor Tyrone Garner added, “The Unified Government aims to be an employer of choice in Wyandotte County. Providing paid family leave will help us attract and retain talented employees and strengthen the bonds of family at a critical time in a new child’s life.”

Paid Childbirth Leave

Paid childbirth leave is available to employees who give birth to provide for recovery from childbirth. Full–time employees are eligible for up to six weeks (240 hours) of paid leave following delivery.

Paid Parental Leave

Paid parental leave is available to eligible employees, female, and male, to care for and bond with their child after birth, or after placement with the employee for adoption or foster care. Full-time employees are eligible for four weeks (160 hours) per qualifying event. Paid parental leave will be available on a continuous basis or, with the approval of the department head, on an intermittent or reduced schedule.

“The Unified Government is committed to the health and welfare of our over 2,200 employees. Paid parental leave will help our employees better navigate work-life balance, while improving the long-term health outcomes of parents and babies alike,” said Assistant County Administrator Alan Howze. “Offering paid family leave will help us attract and retain great employees to serve the community.”

For more detailed information regarding the paid childbirth and parental leave policies, including how to request leave, please visit HR Guide 5.13 – Paid Childbirth and Parental Leave.