Despite that, business leaders around the country have reaffirmed their commitment to the development of a federal paid leave policy. With the help of Paid Leave for the United States, (PL+US) a non-profit advocacy group, the heads of companies like Spotify, Pinterest, Levi’s Patagonia, Etsy, who were vocal in their support of the Build Back Better Act, and Airbnb, Chobani, DoorDash, Dove Men+Care, Keen, and Reddit— brands new to the fight—along with hundreds of other brands and companies, issued a statement announcing their support for government action on the paid leave crisis. They included “five core principles” that their businesses collectively embrace: “American workers shouldn’t have to choose between the job they want and the family they love. A strong investment in paid leave and child care would make the U.S. more competitive and would help rebuild a more inclusive and equitable economy,” Jenna Johnson, President of Patagonia, Inc., said in a statement. The renewed push comes as Americans struggle with inflation and labor shortages, and many families are being crushed under the weight of debt accrued while they’ve taken unpaid leave from work to care for themselves or their families as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on. “The most important job every parent has is taking care of their children. At Chobani, we have always put family first and are proud to have helped inspire more employers to offer full paid parental leave. Isn’t it time our nation’s leaders step up to ensure every parent in America has the time, ability, and means to bond with and care for their child?” Mark Broadhurst, Vice President of Impact & Advocacy of Chobani, said. President Biden has indicated his dedication to paid leave reform in the U.S. despite his BBB act grinding to a halt. Earlier this year, during the State of the Union Address, the President mentioned paid leave and released a statement addressing his commitment to ensuring families aren’t forced to choose between work and caring for loved ones. His updated plan is still under wraps, but there are indications that it will rely on tax credits for employers who provide workers with paid leave.
