East Hampton Town Implements Paid Parental Leave on Interim Basis

East Hampton Town recently introduced a temporary paid parental leave policy, allowing eligible town employees to claim eight weeks of paid leave to spend time with their newborn or newly adopted child.

The policy is being implemented immediately on an interim basis, the town announced in a press release. Employees who have worked for the town for at least 12 consecutive months and 1,250 hours in the past year are eligible to take their leave within 12 months of their child’s birth or adoption.

Spouses who both work for the town can claim a combined 12 weeks of leave, the town said in the press release, including accrued vacation time.

While the policy is currently being implemented on an interim basis, the town intends to negotiate the long-term continuation of the policy with the parties involved.

“Becoming a parent is one of life’s most special and life-changing moments, and no one should have to choose between their paycheck and time with their child,” Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez said in the press release. “This policy reflects our commitment to supporting the dedicated individuals who keep our town running, our first responders, maintenance crews, office staff, and more, so they can better serve our community. This is not just about supporting our employees; it’s about strengthening our entire community. When we take care of the people who serve East Hampton, we build a more dedicated and loyal workforce and ensure the best possible services for our residents.”