New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Releases Statement on Paid Family Leave Reform Law

Trenton, NJ—Today, Governor Murphy signed into law Paid Family Leave Reform legislation (S-2528: Sweeney/Diegnan/Ruiz & A-3975: Quijano/Giblin/Downey). The bill extends the paid leave period from six weeks to 12 weeks, increases the benefit amount from two-thirds of a claimant’s average weekly wage to 70 percent of that wage with a higher maximum threshold, and expands job protection to businesses with 30 employees or more. New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech issued the following statement regarding the new legislation:

“The New Jersey State AFL-CIO was proud to lead the fight for our state’s paid family leave program more than a decade ago,” said President Wowkanech. “And today, we’re proud once again as our fight has led to an improved program that benefits all New Jersey’s working families.”

“New Jersey is one of only five states, along with the District of Columbia, with paid family leave. By improving wage replacement rates and doubling the length of leave from six weeks to 12 weeks, this new bill will allow more New Jerseyans to take advantage of the program,” added President Wowkanech.

“The New Jersey State AFL-CIO is grateful for Governor Murphy, Senate President Sweeney, and Assemblywoman Quijano’s bold leadership and commitment to ensuring New Jerseyans can utilize this essential benefit to care for an ailing family member or a newborn child. We also thank our affiliated unions, the legislators that voted in favor of this bill, and our labor candidates and community partners for spearheading the fight for Paid Family Leave. Without their advocacy, we would not have achieved this victory for New Jersey’s working families.”

###

Charles Wowkanech is president of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, which represents one million union members and their families.