MISSOULA — Missoula city employees will now be able to take six weeks of paid maternity leave.
The City Council on Monday approved a measure to grant paid leave, effective immediately. Previously staff would have needed to use sick leave or vacation time for pregnancy-related medical leave.
All female employees who have been employed for at least 90 days are eligible.
Council members say they plan to revisit pregnancy-related leave in the future and possibly add an additional six weeks, as well as 12 weeks of paid leave for partners of pregnant women or adopting couples.
Medical experts say a mother needs 12 weeks to care for the newborn.