CHICAGO — In a move that aligns with the city’s policy and surpasses the majority of school systems nationwide, employees of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will soon be entitled to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave.
The issue of parental leave gained significant attention during the mayoral election in January, when the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) accused former Mayor Lori Lightfoot of retracting plans to extend the city’s policy to teachers. At that time, a CPS spokesperson noted that the union and district were actively collaborating to update the existing policy.
Mayor Brandon Johnson, a former CTU organizer and teacher, made an announcement on Thursday regarding the new parental leave policy.
“I am thrilled to begin this work to provide paid parental leave for CPS employees, and proud of the collaboration and partnership between CPS and the Chicago Teachers Union that made this important policy goal possible,” stated Johnson.
“With the development of this new parental leave policy, we are furthering our commitment to creating a Chicago that puts the needs of workers and families first.”?
Currently, the existing CPS policy grants birthing parents a period of six to eight weeks for short-term disability leave.
Non-birth parents who are eligible for Family and Medical Leave Act receive a two-week paid leave.
However, there is a new parental leave policy being introduced that will allow that both birth and non-birth parents will be able to take time off to bond with their newborn or newly adopted or fostered child within the first 12 months of birth or placement.
Gestational surrogates will be entitled to up to eight weeks of paid leave for recovery purposes under this policy.
THE BALKAN VOICE
Beyond the Tennis Court: Matija Pecotic’s Lessons in Life and Business
Matija Pecotic’s life unfolds like the pages of a captivating novel—a rich tapestry of cultural experiences woven together by his unique journey. Born in Belgrade, living on the sun-soaked shores of Malta, with Croatian parents, and now embracing his identity as an American, Pecotic’s story is a testament to the richness of cross-cultural immersion. A…
Resounding applause as VP Harris concludes address at Rainbow PUSH Convention
CHICAGO —VP Kamala Harris arrived at the Rainbow PUSH Convention at the Apostolic Church of God at 1:40 pm. VP Harris commenced her speech, focusing on the influential legacy and accomplishments of Rev. Jesse Jackson throughout the decades. She lauded his civil rights advocacy within the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and beyond. Highlighting his groundbreaking presidential…
Mayor Johnson: Rev. Jesse Jackson is an architect of Chicago’s soul
CHICAGO—Civil rights leader, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, announced his plans to step down as president of the Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the international human and civil rights organization that he founded. Jackson made the announcement on July 8, stating, “I’m going to make a transition pretty soon.” During his address, Jackson expressed his lengthy commitment…