Lincoln becomes first city in Nebraska to provide paid parental leave to employees

For a number of years, there have been several proposals in the Nebraska Legislature to require private employers to provide paid parental leave, none of which have gotten any traction to date. On April 10, 2023, however, the Lincoln City Council passed a resolution making it the first city in Nebraska to provide paid parental leave. Let’s examine the details.

Six weeks paid

As a result of the Lincoln City Council’s unanimous vote, city employees will now be provided with six weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or fostering of a new child within the first year. Previously, city employees could take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, similar to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) currently in place for most employers with over 50 employees.

The six weeks of paid parental leave must be taken within the 12-month period following birth, adoption, or taking on a new foster child. There’s no waiting period following initial employment, and paid parental leave will be available to full-time employees as soon they begin their employment with the city.

Paid parental leave will be available on a prorated basis to part-time city employees who are employed for at least 20 hours a week.

City employees only

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird is expected to sign the measure, and it could be implemented as soon as May 1, 2023.