In Massachusetts, many municipal employees do not qualify for paid family leave following the birth or adoption of a child, forcing them to resort to unpaid leave. However, this situation is being challenged by Vicki Divoll, a Chilmark town resident, who is advocating for a change in bylaws to allow paid family leave for municipal workers. Divoll, in a recent Chilmark select board meeting, proposed a four weeks paid family leave for new parents. If accepted, this would make Chilmark one of the handful towns in Massachusetts offering paid leave to its municipal workforce. Divoll’s proposal follows the example set by Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, which has recently extended paid family leave to its teachers and employees. Divoll hopes to see her proposal secure the approval despite the financial implications, in a bid to support families and set a precedent for other towns in the State. For the moment, the select board members have taken the proposal under advisement, with the possibility of discussion in future town meetings.

Given the underlined importance of the provision of paid family leave, it is essential for employees to effectively communicate with providers and understand the specifics of their entitlement. For those in California, EddCaller.com provides useful information on how to get a hold of Paid Family Leave services to ensure they receive the entitled leave and support during their time off. The website offers comprehensive guides on reaching out to customer service, the appropriate phone numbers, and how to process the required steps for a smooth and satisfactory service.