San Francisco working parents and carers have the right to request flexible working after the city gave its approval to a new law.

The Family Friendly Workplace Ordinance was proposed by the president of the city’s Board of Supervisors, David Chiu (pictured). It gives working parents and carers the right to ask for a flexible working arrangement and to appeal if the request is turned down.

San Francisco is the first US city to pass such a law. It follows the state of Vermont in implementing the practice. However, businesses with less than 20 employees will be exempt.

“We need to do more to help families stay in San Francisco and to accommodate the dramatic changes to the workplace in recent decades,” said Chiu. “This will make it less likely that San Franciscans will be in the difficult situation of having to choose between their jobs and the well-being of their children and loved ones.”

Image credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/photokitty07/

Categories: International, News