A resolution to advocate for fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions for paraprofessionals and education support staff.
Edward "Ed" Markey
Senator
MA
This resolution expresses the Senate's view that paraprofessionals and education support staff are crucial to schools and deserve fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions that allow them to effectively support students. It advocates for livable wages, affordable healthcare, paid leave, professional development, necessary resources, and a safe working environment for these essential employees. The resolution also supports their right to have a voice in school policies and protection from retaliation when reporting workplace concerns. Additionally, it encourages employers to engage in good faith negotiations and avoid replacing or locking out these workers during strikes.
Senate Resolution Urges Livable Wages, Better Benefits, and Fair Conditions for School Support Staff
This Senate resolution lays out a vision for how paraprofessionals and education support staff—the folks helping teachers, running offices, and keeping schools operating for nearly 50 million students—should be treated. It formally expresses the Senate's view that these essential staff members deserve stable, safe jobs with fair compensation, benefits, and a real say in their workplace.
What's on the Senate's Wishlist?
The resolution gets specific, outlining a comprehensive set of standards. Key recommendations include:
- Pay and Benefits: Calls for "livable, competitive" wages, access to affordable, high-quality healthcare with minimal employee cost, eligibility for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and proposes 16 weeks of paid family and medical leave. It also suggests paid leave for school closures.
- Working Conditions: Advocates for adequate resources, up-to-date technology, necessary training (including for PPE), and a safe environment free from hazards. It also pushes for appropriate staffing levels.
- Job Security & Voice: Recommends multi-year job security through employment contracts that automatically renew unless terminated for "just cause" (moving away from 'at-will' employment). It emphasizes giving staff meaningful input on school policies, including the implementation of new tech like AI and electronic monitoring, and ensuring they can participate in meetings about the students they support (where legally permitted). It also calls for processes to report concerns without fear of retaliation.
- Professional Growth: Suggests access to meaningful professional development during paid work hours, free or affordable, to support career advancement.
- Employer Conduct: Urges employers to negotiate in good faith, reach fair contracts promptly, and refrain from replacing striking workers or locking them out.
The Reality Check: What a Resolution Means
It's important to understand what a "sense of the Senate" resolution actually does—or doesn't do. This isn't a law that mandates these changes or allocates funding. Think of it as a strong statement of principles and priorities from the Senate's perspective. It encourages schools and districts to adopt these standards but doesn't legally require them to. While it sets a benchmark for fair treatment and encourages good-faith bargaining, implementing these recommendations would likely involve significant cost considerations for school districts regarding wages, benefits, and paid leave. The resolution does note that it shouldn't override any existing collective bargaining agreements that already offer better terms to staff.