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AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER V OF THE CODE OF THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT
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To the Honorable Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Park District:
I. Recommendation
It is recommended that the Board of Commissioners waive the 45-day notice period and approve the amendments to Chapter V of the Code of the Chicago Park District.
II. Explanation
Chapter 70 ILCS 1505/7.02, enables the Board of Commissioners to "establish by ordinance all needful rules and regulations for the government and protection of parks..." Therefore, it is recommended that the following sections of the Chicago Park District Code ("the Code") be amended:
The Chicago Park District ("the Park District") seeks to amend Chapter V of the Code to reflect the personnel policy changes reflected in the proposed 2023 budget and planned to be effective January 1, 2023. These amendments include: (1) the addition of Juneteenth as a paid holiday; (2) the allowance for employees to take earned sick leave within their 6-month probation period; and (3) an 8-week paid parental leave policy for non-union staff and for any union staff where the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement also provides for paid parental leave.
The current employment climate reflects unpredictability, a tight labor market, and expectations of enhanced benefits, which continues to persist from COVID-19 shut-downs and record resignations. The Park District has been no less immune than other employers to these challenging conditions. We have a significant number of vacant positions to which these proposed enhanced benefits would apply if enacted, and it also expected that additional year end retirements will drive the vacancy numbers even higher.
The Park District currently does not have a specific paid parental leave policy. Rather, new parents must use their earned sick and/or vacation leave in order to have a paid leave. Alternatively, individuals giving birth may apply for six to eight weeks of disability pay through the D...
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