Maternity Leave
- When does my maternity leave begin?
It begins with the birth of your child. Count eight full weeks from the birth.
- What happens if part of my maternity leave is during school vacations or summer vacation?
You must count those eight weeks as your maternity leave time. However, we do not get paid for
vacations. Therefore, your future pay checks will be based on the number of school days left of the
year then multiplied by your per diem rate. (FYI: If your maternity leave is completely during
summer vacation, no maternity leave can be applied for the next school year).
- What if I need more time due to my recovery?
If your doctor feels you are unable to return to work because you are still disabled due to the
pregnancy and delivery, you can apply for an extended leave with a medical doctor's note stating
you are unable to work and an estimated time to return to work.
- What happens if I do not have enough sick time of my own?
If you do not have enough sick days, you may apply to the sick leave pool provided you have a
medical doctor's note stating you are unable to work and an estimated time to return to work.
However, please be advised that if you are still in Methuen at the end of your career, you make
only apply for the first 100 sick leave buyback days.
- What if I take my maternity leave without pay?
If you take your maternity leave without pay, you will lose the credible service time and have to
make that time up at the end of your career and work longer to make up the days unworked. You
must also pay for your medical insurance your portion and the city's as well as your union dues.
Your union dues are prorated at a lower rate since you are not working.
