FV@W Celebrates Virginia’s Paid Leave and Paid Sick Days Victory
Family Values @ Work is elated by the momentum our network continues to inspire across the country, and we are proud to celebrate Virginia’s historic victory advancing both paid family and medical leave and paid sick days.
On March 13, 2026, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation to establish a statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave program (SB 2/HB 1207) and a right to Paid Sick Time (SB 199/HB 5). Once signed by Governor Abigail Spanberger — who has publicly indicated her intent to do so, Virginia will become the 15th state with a paid leave program and the 19th state with a paid sick leave law.
These policies will bring meaningful protections to working families across the Commonwealth. The paid sick leave standard will allow workers to earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours (five days) per year. The paid family and medical leave program will provide up to 12 weeks of leave with 80% wage replacement, with benefits expected to begin in January 2029.
Family Values @ Work has proudly cheered Virginia’s progress for years. In 2019, when we partnered with advocates to screen the Zero Weeks documentary and shared organizing and base-building strategies that helped elevate the urgency of paid leave across the state, we knew the campaign would succeed.
This victory was made possible by the tireless leadership of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy and Freedom Virginia along with their coaltion, who led an eight-year effort to advance these policies as both a moral and economic imperative for the Commonwealth.
Paid Family and Medical Leave and Paid Sick Days are lifesaving policies for America’s workers and their loved ones. The state of our economy and communities cannot be separated from the state of care. When families do not have to choose between their health and caregiving or economic survival, our nation’s humanity, economic growth, and future are guaranteed. Congratulations Virginia!
