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As your Honorable Body is aware, Article V of Chapter 36 sets forth the benefits afforded to non- bargaining unit employees. Earlier this spring, a non-bargaining unit employee approached the Administration regarding what Parental Leave may be available to the employee upon the birth of her baby in late spring. The Law Department performed research and determined that the only parental leave available to non-bargaining unit employees is a six-month unpaid maternity leave under our Local Civil Service Rules (which do not currently include any provision regarding paternity leave). The amendment contemplates up to 12 weeks of leave paid at 60% of the non-bargaining unit employee’s salary following the birth or adoption of a child. Non-bargaining unit employees will be permitted to supplement the salary paid during this period of time with any accrued vacation, sick, or personal time. The 12-week period begins to run immediately upon the birth or adoption of the child, and must be used within 6 months of that time. It appears that the current need for parental leave for not only one but two of the City’s non-bargaining unit employees is unprecedented. As an employer, the City has a responsibility not only to provide essential public service, but also to foster a workplace that values and supports the well-being of our public servants and their families. I believe this proposed amendment represents a balanced and fiscally responsible investment in the leaders of our workforce. Under New York law, Private employers must provide employees with 12 weeks of leave paid at 67% of the respective employee’s salary. While public employers are not required to provide the same benefits, affording our non-bargaining unit employees Parental Leave will also help to ensure the City remains competitive in recruiting and retaining employees from both the public and private sector. Thank you for your consideration of this request. ANNETTE IAFALLO, MAYOR Moved by Marrano second by Surdyke to receive and file, act on ordinance. Yeas: Muflahi, Anderson, Meegan, Surdyke, Marrano Carried 5-0 ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 36, ARTICLE V, NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES, OF THE CITY OF LACKAWANNA MUNICIOAL CODE. BE IT ENACTED by the City Council of the City of Lackawanna, New York that City Code Chapter 36-18, "Paid Leaves," shall be amended to add the following: E. Parental Leave. (1) Each covered employee shall be entitled to up to 12 weeks of Parental Leave paid at 60% of each employee's salary immediately following the birth or adoption of the employee's child. Such Parental Leave must be used within 6 months of the birth of the child.