Policy could give 33K UNC System workers access to paid parental leave

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — University of North Carolina System employees could soon get paid leave for having or adopting a child, which would affect more than 33,000 people statewide and could also help recruit new talent.

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If the UNC Board of Governors passes the proposal next month, it would resemble the executive order Gov. Roy Cooper signed in May for other state employees.

UNC interim President William Roper explained in a letter that the UNC system was not included in the list of eligible agencies when the governor made the announcement.

That’s because the university’s board has to approve any new employee leave policy, specifically for non-faculty employees and support staff.

“The new development with the UNC system is so important because while we heard from so many state employees that Gov. Cooper’s executive order was life-changing for them, we also heard from many UNC employees who were devastated that they didn’t get this benefit, too,” said Beth Messersmith, an advocate with nonprofit MomsRising.

Messersmith has pushed for paid family and medical leave since 2008 in Charlotte and across the state.

“You shouldn't have to win the boss lottery to be able to take care of your family,” she said.

If the proposal passes, it would allow new parents eight weeks to take care of their newborn.

There’s no definitive timeline on when this proposal could be implemented if it does pass.

The Board of Governors will take up the issue Sept. 19 and 20.

Cox Media Group