The United States’ subpar maternity leave policies are well documented, but the City of New York has a new plan to help parents get the time they deserve. Early this month, Mayor Bill de Blasio and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) announced an agreement that would allow eligible UFT-represented employees to take up to 14 weeks of paid parental leave.
Early this month, Mayor Bill de Blasio and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) announced an agreement that would allow eligible UFT-represented employees to take up to 14 weeks of paid parental leave.
Previously only women who gave birth could take a maximum of six to eight weeks off, depending on whether the birth was vaginal or a cesarean section. Under the new agreement, birth mothers will have the option of following previous guidelines or choose to take up to six weeks of additional paid parental leave. The new plan also allows non-birth parents—fathers, same-sex partners, adoptive parents, and foster parents—to take time off, too.
“No teacher should have to come to school sick because they’re saving their sick days to have a baby,” said de Blasio. “That’s not fair to our teachers and that’s not fair to our students.”
The new option, which will cover anyone who is represented by the UFT, including teachers, paraprofessionals, social workers, school psychologists, and others, will be available starting Sept. 4, 2018.
The program will cost the city $51 million annually and will cost the UFT about $35 million a year. Leaders say these costs will be offset by contracted savings and will not affect member benefits: “The new agreement does not require the loss of an expected raise, reduced vacation time, or similar contract concessions.”
“As a parent, I can’t overstate how important it is for new parents to have the opportunity to care for and bond with their newborn,” said Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza. “Today we’ve shown that New York City is dedicated to ensuring our tireless and committed teachers have a strong support system.”
