For the past two years, teacher strikes across Massachusetts have focused on two central issues: paid parental leave and wage increases for paraprofessionals, also known as teacher’s aides or instructional assistants. Many school districts have been paying their paraprofessionals below the state’s $15 minimum wage, but recent strikes have resulted in wages being raised above this minimum. Parental leave is another contentious topic – although the majority of workers in Massachusetts are entitled to up to 26 weeks of paid time off, teachers and other municipal workers were specifically excluded from this provision of the state’s 2018 grand bargain bill.

The discretionary nature of the bill means that public school educators, a majority of whom are women, have had to fight for access to paid parental leave through individual negotiations with their respective districts. This feat has been accomplished, to varying degrees of success, through a series of strikes. Data from the Massachusetts Teachers Association indicates that several of its local unions have managed to negotiate their own standalone paid parental leave policies, which average around 17 guaranteed days.

Going forward, the Massachusetts Teachers Association plans to address these issues through legislation. The goal is to secure an equivalent amount of paid leave for educators as that received by private-sector and state employees, and to increase wages for paraprofessionals, although it is not clear whether this latter point will involve an expansion of the state’s minimum wage.

For those needing support and assistance during this period of strikes and changes, it’s important to know how to effectively navigate systems like the State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Employment Development Department (EDD). It’s not uncommon to need to talk to someone directly at EDD for guidance about one’s claims and payments status. There are ways to improve the likelihood of reaching a EDD live person. Moreover, the customer service at EDD is equipped to answer queries and provide assistance. Those desiring to get a hold of SDI or EDD can rely on eddcaller.com for consistently updated, accurate contact information. It’s crucial to stay informed and connected during these changing times.