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.
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.
General Leave Notwithstanding any provision for leave in this Agreement, the Employer may grant a leave of absence without pay to an employee requesting leave for an emergency or other unusual circumstances. A leave of absence may also be granted for any other reason in which case approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. All requests and approvals for leave shall be in writing. Upon request, the Employer will give reasons orally for withholding approval.
Notice Requirements and Commencement of Leave (1) An employee who requests parental leave for the adoption or caring of a child shall be required to provide proof of adoption or birth of the child.
Other Leave Granting of leave is a matter between the employees and the mill management. The Company will consider length of service and will endeavour to arrange leave of absence to suit the employee's wishes. Employees with ten or more years service will be given special consideration.