As of Jan. 1, a minimum of 12 weeks of paid maternity leave will be available to members of the Laborers’ International Union of North America's General President Brent Booker announced Sept. 28 at the Tradeswomen Build Nations conference in New Orleans.

“We’re looking to the future and we want all members, including female members, to know that we value them,” he said, noting the benefit of $800 per week.