Teachers, union leaders press committee for paid parental leave and higher pay during contract talks

Union leaders and dozens of teachers told the New Bedford School Committee Tuesday that contract talks must produce a stronger financial package, including paid parental leave, to retain staff and recruit new educators.

Thomas Nickerson, president of the New Bedford Educators Association, said the union is negotiating with the district and urged a "strong financial package" to provide a living wage and paid parental leave for members. "Our members have gathered here tonight to implore the school committee, to offer the best financial package possible in order to provide a living wage for our members and better working conditions for them inclusive of paid parental leave," Nickerson said.

Nickerson also told the committee the union recorded nearly 180 new hires this year, which he said amounts to a turnover rate of roughly 15 percent. "Both experienced and newer members alike have left us with districts that have stronger financial offerings such as Taunton and soon Fall River," he said.

Several classroom teachers described personal experiences illustrating the districts lack of paid parental leave. Third-grade teacher Erica Dwyer said she returned to the classroom 12 weeks after childbirth because she had exhausted sick leave and needed to preserve days for future medical needs. "We give our all to our students every day," Dwyer said. "We shouldn't have to choose between our dreams to teach and our dreams of being moms and dads."

Preschool newcomer teacher Jacqueline Ann Burgoyne described using eight years of accumulated sick time after an early delivery that resulted in a NICU stay for her newborn. She urged the committee to add paid parental leave during current contract negotiations.

Nick LeBlanc, a New Bedford High School science teacher, said he works multiple additional jobs to cover rising housing and childcare costs and warned that losing teachers harms students. "Every loss of personnel is a loss for our students," LeBlanc said, describing high childcare and mortgage costs that make retention difficult.

Committee members did not take immediate formal action on contract terms at Tuesdays meeting. Negotiations continue between the district and the union; educators asked the committee to prioritize parental leave, improved compensation and guaranteed cost-of-living provisions in the bargaining process.