One of Ivanka Trump’s favorite issues is paid
parental leave. The law would apply to both mothers and fathers, although
mothers would probably predominate. The child could be natural-born or adopted.
The parent would receive a salary for up to eight weeks and is guaranteed a return
to her job.
The obvious advantage: The child can bond
with at least one of the parents.
If the government pays the salaries, a tax
must be imposed. We have enough taxes, thank you. Mr. Trump was hired to cut the
darn things, not raise them.
If employers pay the salaries, this would impose
a heavy burden for marginally-successful companies. Higher unemployment would result.
In any event, the absence is disruptive. Temporary
employees would probably be necessary, and would require training at the
employer’s cost.
During the eight-week absence, markets and
technologies change. The returning employee must be brought up to speed, also at
the employer’s cost.
Here’s the primary unseen consequence: To
save costs, employers would hire fewer women. Ivanka, is this what you want?
Sent
to many newspapers August 7, 2017. Published by the Concord Monitor September 3, 2017.
