Revere Teachers Association rally for paid parental leave for all education staff

By Tara Vocino

The Revere Teachers Association (RTA) gathered before school and walked in together last Wednesday at Rumney Marsh Academy. The RTA joined more than 5,000 teachers and support staff across the North Shore during a week of action demanding paid parental leave for all education workers.

“In Massachusetts, while private sector employees can access the state’s PFMLA for parental leave, our educators are forced to piece together personal and sick days or even face unpaid time to grow their families,” RTA Co-President Jane Chapin said. “This is a profound injustice in a profession dominated by women—it’s time we change the narrative and fully support our educators, enabling them to support the growth of all children.”

In 2018, the Commonwealth provided Paid Family Medical Leave legislation benefits to private sector workers, excluding municipal school employees. RTA is working during their contract fight to ensure all members receive a humane, dignified and modern parental leave benefit – similar to that enjoyed by all other workers. The Revere Teachers Association is the education union representing over 750 teachers, service providers and other education support professionals.