Ferndale now has a new policy which will allow woman and men to take 12 week, paid maternity and paternity leave.
“Employees will have the ability to take 12 weeks off paid when they have the birth of a child, either male or female or they adopt a child, to be able to spend that time at home with their family,” said the city’s HR Director, Jennifer Campos.
This also goes for same sex couples bringing their new adopted babies home for the first time.
The concept was spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Melanie Piana, who saw a need to keep good employees in the city while keeping costs down.
The policy will apply to 132 full time city employees.
“We all know the cost of turnover is very high,” said Campos. “The cost to recruit, train new employee to be integrated into your organization. So our hope is to recruit and retain very talented people.”
The new policy was voted in by city council Monday.
