Colleagues, Today we have submitted to the Rochester City School District a negotiations proposal to implement the 2018 New York State Paid Family Leave Benefits Act.  We have asked that negotiations of this proposal be scheduled for the next meeting of the Living Contract Committee on Wednesday, February 7, 2018.  The following are some key aspects of the 2018 NYS Paid Family Leave Benefits Act: Although it is mandated for private employers, it is not mandated for public employers but could be negotiated. By law, it is self-funded by employees through payroll contributions. The cost for each employee (0.126% of the employee’s weekly wage) would be no more than $1.65 per week, but could be less. The weekly benefit is 50% of your average weekly wage capped at 50% of the NYS average weekly wage, currently at $1305.92.  Your average weekly wage is the average of your last eight weeks of pay prior to starting Paid Family Leave.  The NYS average weekly wage is updated annually. The...