Commencement of Leave Parental leave must commence no later than the first anniversary date of the birth or adoption of the child or of the date on which the child comes into the actual care and custody of the employee. The employee will decide when his or her parental leave is to commence.
Abuse of Leave If it is found that a leave is not actually being used for the purpose for which it was granted, the Employer may cancel the leave and direct the employee to report for work by giving written notice to the employee.
Period of Leave (a) The period of leave will be for 12 months, from 1 January to 31 December.
Duration of Leave An eligible female employee may apply for pregnancy leave, to commence after the 22nd week of pregnancy for a duration of up to 17 weeks. The pregnancy leave of an employee who is not entitled to take parental leave ends on the later of the day that is seventeen weeks after the pregnancy leave began or the day that is six weeks after the birth, still-birth or miscarriage.
Length of Leave Birth Mother A pregnant employee shall be entitled to up to seventeen (17) consecutive weeks of maternity leave and up to thirty-five (35) consecutive weeks of parental leave, all without pay. The parental leave must immediately follow the maternity leave. In the event the birth mother dies or is totally disabled, an employee who is the father of the child shall be entitled to both maternity and parental leave without pay.
Termination of Leave Interruption of pregnancy will terminate the leave. Human Resources may require in such cases forty-five (45) days’ notice to return.
Taking of Leave (a) Annual leave shall be given and shall be taken within a period of six months after the date when the right to annual leave accrued; provided that the giving and taking of such leave may be postponed by mutual agreement between the parties for a further period not exceeding six months.