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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Data shows 76% of workers in Florida lack access to paid leave, while 69% cannot afford or cannot access unpaid job-protected leave through the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Based on a study by the National Partnership for Women & Families (NPWF), the data shows that paid leave would grow the workforce, improving workers’ ability to support their families and care for them when needed.
The NPWF said if women in Florida participated in the labor force at the same rate as in countries with paid leave and other family-friendly policies, Florida families would take home $11.5 billion more in wages.
Jocelyn C. Frye, president of the NPWF, says there is a clear connection between states offering protections to paid family leave and the wages women see in those states.
“In states where workers have access to paid family and medical leave, we see that women have better wages, companies experience higher staff retention rates, and people are better able to support themselves and their families,” Frye said. “Paid family and medical leave is a cornerstone in a society where everyone is able to reach their full potential.”
Frye called on states and the federal government to pass universal paid family leave legislation.
“We now have 14 states, including D.C., that have enacted their own paid leave laws,” Frye said. “It’s time for Congress to catch up and pass a national program.”
A complete list of policy recommendations by the NPWF can be found here.
