Pregnancy & Parental Leave,

the PAR-BC Perspective

In Your Collective Agreement

Maternity Leave

o MOU: Supplement Employment Benefits Plan (SEB)

o MOU: Workload During Pregnancy

Parental Leave

Adoption Leave

Maternity Leave

52 consecutive weeks

• Earliest Start: 11 weeks before predicted delivery.

• No later than actual birth date.

After 52 weeks: 5 additional weeks,

without pay, under special circumstances with medical practitioner certification.

Maternity Benefits

“Maternity Leave”• 2 weeks waiting period – 85% of salary• Additional 15 weeks - 85% of pay (EI + top up)• Full Health Benefits

“Parental Leave”• Up to week 52• Full Health Benefits • EI Benefits

o Eligibility of EI hours = 600 hours in the last 52 weeks

Ensure to register your new born with Vancouver Coastal Health for Health Benefits, and set up MSP!

Maternity Benefits“Supplement Employment Benefits Plan”

(SEB)

• Provided by the Employer• 2 weeks at 85% of salary• 15 weekly payments, equivalent to:

o the difference between EI gross benefits and,o any other earnings received and,o 85% of normal weekly earnings

• Total of 17 weeks at 85% of salaryEI Benefit January 2012: • Maximum of $485 per week (yearly amount: $45,900)

Maternity BenefitsWhat if I don’t qualify for EI?

• The SEB Plan provides residents who do not have the sufficient number of work hours for EI (only for the weeks 1-17).

What if I am on sick leave?• Residents cannot receive SEB Plan benefits and sick leave benefits at the same time.• Sick leave can be taken prior to maternity leave, or subsequent to, with valid health-related conditions.

What if my residency term ends?• SEB Plan benefits will continue even after the conclusion of a term of appointment.

Maternity BenefitsWhat if I want to work during my maternity

leave? • If you work while on maternity benefits, your earnings will be deducted dollar for dollar from your benefits.

• If you work while on parental benefits, EI allows you to earn $75 or 40% of weekly benefits (whichever is greater), before deducting dollar for dollar.

Workload During Pregnancy

Your health and the health of your baby is

of the utmost importance!

Consult early with your family doctor, and your program director with

your workload expectations and ensure to regularly review

these in the course of your pregnancy.

CONTACT PAR-BC if you have ANY difficulties obtaining modifications

to your work schedule

Additional tips and resources in:• Mothers and Motherhood (PHP)• PAR-BC Parenting guide• EI Maternity and Parental Benefits

Rest!• Visit a Registered Massage Therapist • Sleep when you’re sleepy!

Nutrition• Take prenatal vitamins• Eat regular meals of normal proportions for yourself

Prenatal Yoga• alleviates back pain• prepares you for delivery

Natural Father“Paternity Leave”• 1 day paid leave

From your Employer:“Parental Leave”• Up to 37 consecutive weeks of unpaid leave• Full Health Benefits

From Service Canada (EI):“Parental Leave”• Maximum 35 consecutive weeks of benefits• Eligibility of EI hours = 600 hours in the last 52 weeks

Adoptive Parents

From your Employer:• Up to 37 consecutive weeks of unpaid leave• Full Health Benefits• Beginning within 52 weeks after child is placed with parents

From Service Canada (EI):“Parental Leave”• Maximum 35 consecutive weeks of benefits• Eligibility of EI hours = 600 hours in the last 52 weeks

Can we be on leave at the same time? • Yes, but you will not be able to receive benefits at the same time. Only one parent can receive EI benefits at any one time.

Parental Leave Benefits: You and Your partner

How does “sharing” Parental benefits work?• There is a maximum of 35 consecutive weeks of benefits; these are split between the 2 parents.

• The 2 week waiting period only needs to be completed by one parent.

• When applying for EI benefits make sure to quote the claim number.

EI benefits are taxable• Federal and provincial taxes will be deducted from your payment

Returning to Work• You are entitled to 52 consecutive weeks of leave.

• Ensure to have discussed your date of return with your program ahead of time to arrange for a smooth transition back to work.

• Don’t forget to confirm with your program and Vancouver Coastal Health to update your leave status to ensure that Payroll is aware of your returned status!

Questions?

• Contact PAR-BC Officeo 604-876-7636

• Visit PAR-BC websiteo www.par-bc.org