PSAC Collective Agreement Maternity Leave: Everything You Need to Know

If you are a member of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and are planning to take maternity leave, you may be curious about the provisions available to you through your Collective Agreement. Maternity/parental leave benefits and policies can vary depending on your employer, but in this article, we will focus on what PSAC members can expect when going on maternity leave.

Maternity Leave Eligibility

The PSAC Collective Agreement provides maternity leave to female employees who have completed at least six consecutive months of employment. The employee must also provide their employer with reasonable notice of their intention to take maternity leave. The Collective Agreement also allows male employees to take parental leave.

Length of Maternity Leave

Under the PSAC Collective Agreement, eligible employees are entitled to up to 17 weeks of maternity leave. This period of leave can start as early as 13 weeks before the expected date of the child`s birth. If the employee chooses to start their maternity leave earlier than 13 weeks before the expected birth date, they must provide a medical certificate indicating that their health or that of the unborn child would be at risk if they continued to work.

If the employee does not use all of their maternity leave entitlement before the child`s birth, the remaining weeks can be added to their parental leave period.

Maternity Leave Benefits

During the period of maternity leave, PSAC employees are entitled to receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. EI benefits can be paid for a maximum of 15 weeks. The employee`s employer may choose to top up their EI benefits so that they receive their regular salary while on maternity leave. However, this is not a guaranteed benefit and is at the discretion of the employer.

Returning to Work

At the end of the maternity leave period, an employee is entitled to return to their previous position or to a position of similar status and pay. If the employer is unable to provide the employee with a position of similar status and pay, they may be entitled to a position of lower status and pay. In this case, the employee`s pay may be protected for a period of up to two years.

PSAC Collective Agreement and Maternity Leave: Conclusion

Understanding the provisions of the PSAC Collective Agreement in relation to maternity leave is essential for employees who are planning or expecting to take time off to care for their newborn child. The information outlined in this article is just the tip of the iceberg, as the Collective Agreement may have additional provisions and requirements depending on your specific situation.

It is always advisable to read the Collective Agreement thoroughly and speak with your employer`s HR representative to ensure that you are aware of all your entitlements and obligations regarding maternity leave. With the right information on hand, you can make informed decisions about your career path and parenting goals.