Microsoft Requires Suppliers to Offer Parental Leave

Statement of Family Values @ Work on the announcement by Microsoft that they will require suppliers with more than 50 employees to offer 12 weeks of paid leave to parents of a new child:

“We welcome Microsoft’s efforts to expand access to paid leave and to use their contracting dollars to improve conditions for employees who work for vendors or other contractors. We especially applaud Microsoft’s support for the paid leave legislation passed in Washington state last year and their desire to extend the reach of paid leave to employees in states that do not yet have such a law. Companies like Microsoft know that offering paid leave isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s good for the bottom line, helps increase gender equity in the workforce and allows people to stay employed and get ahead.

“Unlike requirements that firms offer a decent minimum wage or some paid time off, requiring employers on their own to pay for leave for parents of a new child is something many small businesses cannot afford. That’s why so many small businesses are part of the coalitions in our network working for a social insurance fund like the one passed in Washington state, pooling small contributions from employees and employers to make leave accessible and affordable for all working people and covering all forms of caregiving. Children need care not just when they’re born – they sometimes suffer injuries or illnesses that require a parent to be at their side. And even those who aren’t parents have parents or other loved ones or their own health that from time to time need care.

“We applaud Microsoft for the leadership they’ve given in the fight for paid leave. At the same time, we have to ensure time to care does not remain a workplace perk dependent on who you work for or where you live. We need a federal social insurance fund, like the ones already in place in states across the country, so that companies of all sizes can participate in paid leave for the range of caregiving needs.

“Microsoft’s announcement comes on the heels of recent activity on Capitol Hill around a national paid leave policy. The U.S. is an outlier when it comes to paid leave. As we work to catch up to the rest of the world, it’s important that we guarantee a modest minimum that meets the “Triple A” test: accessible, affordable and adequate for all workers. Our movement welcomes leadership from the private sector and interest from elected officials as we continue to pave the way to a national paid leave program.”

For media inquiries please contact Leslie Patterson at 202-800-7408 or fvaw@berlinrosen.com