COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – City of Columbus employees will now enjoy paid time off for maternity and paternity leave, thanks to a new ordinance passed during Tuesday’s city council meeting.

Mothers are entitled to six weeks off, while fathers will receive two weeks. Previously, employees could take leave but had to use their sick or vacation time to receive pay; that requirement has now been eliminated.

District 10 City Council member Travis Chambers emphasized the importance of this change, noting that it came from feedback from city employees. “This is something we’re excited about as we try to take care of our team,” he said.

The council voted unanimously to provide paid maternity and paternity leave to city employees.

“We wanted to make sure we were ahead of the curve to make sure we were taking good care of our team members,” Chambers explained. “It is a good retention strategy so that the mother can be at home taking care of her child, her newborn for up to six weeks without having to use sick or vacation time, and the father can be at home for two weeks with paid time. “

This proposal was developed by listening to city employees and researching the benefits offered by other companies.

Chambers noted that these types of initiatives have proven to be effective in attracting and retaining talent. He also mentioned that they will continue to look for ways to further support city employees.

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