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Union proposes formal release time and designated lactation spaces; district gives tentative support pending building input
Summary
The ITA proposed language guaranteeing designated lactation spaces and up to 30 minutes additional daily release time for lactating teachers; ICSD said it is supportive in principle and will consult building leaders and return with language.
The Ithaca Teachers Association proposed a contract addendum to secure lactation accommodations and release time for returning postpartum employees. The union’s proposal asks for advance notice to the district when teachers anticipate needing lactation space and for supervisors to designate rooms and communicate availability in writing. The proposal also requests up to a 30‑minute daily release in addition to nurses’ lunch and prep time while a staff member is lactating, with different operational approaches for elementary and secondary schedules.
District response: ICSD negotiators said they want to support the proposal and will consult building leaders about implementation details and coverage; they described the request as consistent with law and district obligations and said they would return with clarified language after building‑level conversations. ICSD asked for time to test scheduling options so coverage can be planned with minimal disruption.
Why it matters: Teachers returning from parental leave frequently need private time and space to express milk during the workday; the union said some teachers face the real cost of childcare versus staying employed. The proposal aims to make scheduling predictable (advance notice, a sign‑up or notification process) and to protect privacy and coverage needs.
Key points in the draft proposal presented by the ITA: - Advance notice from the teacher as practicable to allow building leaders to designate spaces and plan coverage. - Building leaders to notify staff at the start of the school year of any designated lactation spaces; if none exist at that time, notification must be provided in writing when a space is designated. - Secondary staff: release from a supervisory duty during a period so the teacher has an additional 30 minutes available for expression; district argued secondary schedules make this more straightforward. - Elementary staff: building leader and lactating teacher collaborate to provide coverage for an additional 30‑minute break in addition to lunch and prep; advance notice will facilitate schedule adjustments and specials coverage.
District caveats and next steps: ICSD asked for time to consult principals and building schedules and proposed returning with a counterproposal or specific implementation language. ICSD described the half‑hour break for lactation as already recognized by law and said the draft clarifies how it could be accommodated with minimal disruption if given lead time.
Outcome at session: ICSD signaled a tentative yes subject to building‑level planning and follow‑up; the parties agreed to continue work on precise contract language ahead of future bargaining sessions.
