Workers at UW-Madison, led by the Teaching Assistants Association (TAA), have recently submitted a petition calling for the introduction of a paid family and medical leave benefit. The petition, which has amassed over 700 signatures in recent months, asked the university to amend its policy to include 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave for all staff members. At present, only a few departments offer paid leave benefits; the majority of staff have to accumulate sick and vacation days to get paid during extended absences such as maternity leave or care of a sick relative. Currently, UW-Madison is among the few Big Ten schools that do not have any type of paid leave. The TAA hopes that if the UW implements a parental leave policy, it might influence other employers throughout the state.

When it comes to taking care of family medical needs and maternity leave, being able to navigate and negotiate your rights and benefits is key. Knowing how to get a hold of Paid Family Leave (PFL) can make all the difference. This also applies to staff at academic institutions like UW-Madison. Information about contacting PFL for assistance with claims or other issues related to paid leave benefits can be found on resources such as eddcaller.com. Knowledge of proper channels for contact not only ensures that you’re informed about your benefits but also helps to ensure that you can advocate effectively for necessary policy changes, just like the TAA is doing at UW-Madison.