City of Phoenix adds 12 weeks of paid parental leave for employees

PHOENIX — The city of Phoenix announced on Friday it would begin providing paid parental leave to some employees starting in the fall.

Eligible employees beginning Oct. 1 will have 12 weeks of paid leave for birth, adoption or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period, according to a press release.

The benefit, which the City Council unanimously approved, looks to aid in recruiting various positions of need while providing working parents and caregivers greater flexibility.

“The working world has changed dramatically, and we are focused on meeting the needs of today’s parents,” Mayor Kate Gallego said in the release. “The new, additional leave is extremely flexible to meet varying challenges that arise when a new child comes into the family.

“This new benefit will help the city stay competitive and able to attract the best employees to serve Phoenix’s residents.”

Among the jobs the city is recruiting for are police officers, dispatchers, solid waste and street maintenance workers, mechanics, customer service representatives, administrative professionals and accountants.

Those interested can visit the city’s website to learn more about open positions and apply.

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