New Contract Offers the New School’s Part-Timers Child-Care Leave

The New School’s unionized part-time faculty members unanimously voted today to ratify a new contract that, for the first time, gives them the right to take leave for birth, adoption, or the care of a sick child. Part-time faculty members generally do not qualify for such leave under the Family Medical Leave Act because they do not work enough hours at a given college to be covered by that federal law. The new contract for the New School’s part-time faculty members, who belong to United Auto Workers Local 7902, also gives them a greater say in curriculum decisions and allows them to maintain their health benefits when their classes are canceled for reasons such as low enrollment.