Partner benefits available to about 30 percent of employees in U.S.

The Department of Labor Statistics, part of the federal Labor Department, has released its annual assessment of work related benefits in the U.S. For the first time, the department included benefits offered to domestic partners.

The study found that domestic partner and other benefits were available to 29 percent of private sector employees and 33 percent of public sector employees.

For unmarried domestic partner benefits, about half the workers in state and local government have access to survivor benefits, as compared to 7 percent of the workers in private industry, reflecting in part the difference in the availability of defined benefit plans between these groups. Thirty-three percent of state and local government workers and 29 percent of private sector workers have access to health care benefits for unmarried domestic partners of the same sex. Access to benefits varies by employer and employee characteristics and by whether the unmarried domestic partner is of the same or opposite sex.

Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis had this to say in a press release about the study:

“For the first time, in order to better understand the benefits available to an increasingly diverse American workforce, this year’s survey includes information on domestic partner benefits. This comprehensive report will be of significant interest to employers and workers alike. It provides a better, fuller picture of employee benefits in workplaces across our nation.

“The bureau’s Office of Compensation Levels and Trends should be commended for the successful completion of this year’s survey of more than 15,000 establishments in the public and private sectors, as should the groups and stakeholders that worked with the bureau to incorporate new questions on domestic partner benefits. Together, they’ve made sure that the National Compensation Survey truly reflects the diversity of work and workers in the United States.”

This information comes as the Michigan legislature is considering legislation to punish state universities and colleges for extending such benefits, and Republican Attorney General Bill Schuette is suing the state to stop the implementation of such benefits for state employees.

The Michigan Civil Service Commission in January approved the benefits, and the legislature attempted to over-ride the approval. While the GOP dominated Senate was able to easily muster the two-thirds majority vote — they hold a super majority in the Senate — the House fell short of the necessary two-thirds majority. As a result of the House failure to over-ride the MCSC decision, the benefits will go into effect October 1, unless Schuette’s lawsuit is successful.

For Michigan Messenger complete coverage on the partner benefits debate, click here.