The leadership and membership of Delaware’s chapter of the National Organization for Women were dismayed to read Rep. Rich Collins’ Guest Commentary opposing paid leave (“Wisdom of paid leave questioned,” Aug. 5).
Rep. Collins, R-Millsboro, seems to be under the false impression paid family and medical leave is a benefit for only a few workers, while negatively impacting the rest of our Delaware community.
This line he draws between workers and the rest of our community does not exist. Most workers will experience some form of medical crisis in their lives, whether it is a spouse, partner, parent, child or themselves. Paid leave allows them to remain in the workforce instead of being forced to choose between paying their bills and being with a family member in need. It reduces financial insecurity and stress for that worker.
Evidence shows paid leave is beneficial for the physical health, mental well-being and stability of the entire family. And the benefits of paid leave go both ways — businesses experience improved employee retention and productivity, and it increases labor force participation in our economy.
Rep. Collins focuses on the effects of absenteeism on education, without acknowledging educators are humans, too, who have families that need care.
The Delaware State Education Association recognized this basic fact in 2019, when it helped convince legislators to provide 12 weeks of paid parenting leave for state employees. As association president Stephanie Ingram said, “This means that our members no longer have to make a choice between the health of their families and their careers.” Paid family leave benefits the education system in the long run by encouraging employees to remain in the teaching profession, leading to a more highly skilled and experienced workforce.
The United States is alone among wealthy countries in its lack of a national paid leave program. Furthermore, those who are able to take advantage of family leave are disproportionately those who are already more economically advantaged: office workers or those with more secure middle-class jobs. There are stark disparities by race and income in access to paid leave: White, non-Hispanic workers and those with high wages are more likely to have access than Black or Hispanic workers and those paid low wages.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw how essential the workers in service-based industries and businesses are to keeping our community healthy, safe and functioning. We saw the effects of low pay and lack of paid leave in our schools, as bus drivers, support staff and substitute teachers were suddenly in short supply. Ensuring these workers, as well as all employees throughout our state, are able to care for themselves and for their families is one of the benefits of Delaware’s Senate Bill 1. Paid family leave is a benefit for all, and now that we have won this benefit here in Delaware, we pledge to work with our partners nationally to ensure we secure paid leave for all.
Melissa Froemming
President, National Organization for Women’s Delaware chapter
