Mayor Walsh Approves Paid Family Leave For City Workers

BOSTON (CBS) -- Boston's Mayor Marty Walsh signed a new ordinance Monday allowing up to six weeks of paid leave for some city employees who are new parents.

Under the Family Medical Leave Act, parents can take up to 12 weeks off of work , though there is no guarantee of pay.

The latest measure allows both mothers and fathers to take paid time off after the birth, adoption of stillbirth of a child. The parent must be a city employee and the leave can be taken up to a year after the child's birth.

City Councillor Michelle Wu -- one of the prime movers behind the Family Medical Leave Act -- attended the signing with her 5-month-old son in her arms.

Wu told WBZ NewsRadio 1030 she's received praise from many city workers on the new measure.

"Even in my email today I've gotten several pictures of new families where dad or mom was able to spend time with the baby after their born because of this new measure," Wu said.

The new rules will not apply to city councilors or union workers.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports