Maternity, paternity, parental and adoption leave

Here is the information needed to prepare for your maternity leave:

The first step to take in order to begin the process for a maternity leave:

Once you have a confirmed date of birth (by ultrasound), fill out the online Maternity, Paternity and Parental Leave Form and submit it to the NBTF at least two months prior to your last day of work. A NBTF support staff member will fill an official Maternity Leave Form and forward a copy to you, to your district, to Johnson Insurance and to the NBTA. The form will indicate the dates you will be receiving the benefits you are entitled to under the Collective Agreement and your EI benefits.

Benefits all contract teachers are entitled to receive:

Thirty (30) Days Paid Leave From Your Employer: This is the equivalent of 30 days of regular pay. Part of these benefits can cover your waiting period in certain circumstances because teachers are not paid during Christmas break or March break, nor are they paid during the summer.

Employment Insurance Benefits:

You are entitled to maternity benefits for a maximum period of 15 weeks. As it stands now, the actual amount paid in benefits is approximately $562/week. Maternity benefits can begin as early as 8 weeks prior to your due date. However, they have to be paid no later than 17 weeks after the date of birth. These benefits are followed by thirty-five (35) weeks of parental benefits at the same rate of $562.00/week. Parental benefits can be shared with your spouse. All parental benefits, shared or not, can be taken any time after the date of birth, but no later than 52 weeks after your due date or the first week of waiting period, whichever comes first.

Maternity Leave Form Information:

Once you receive a copy of the official Maternity Leave Form, it is important that you examine the dates closely to make sure your understand and agree with them. Also, you will need to keep a copy of the form for your records and in order to complete your request for benefits with HRDC. If you have questions about some of these dates or need changes, do not hesitate to call the NBTF. You may reach us at 452-1736. Indicate that you wish to speak to the person responsible for maternity leaves.

EI Benefits:

You must make an application with HRDC in order to receive benefits. Your claim must be processed on the date indicated on the Maternity Leave Formin order to prevent any delays in the payment of your benefits. This request can be made in person at your local HRDC office or online here.

Note that the district will forward your ROE (Record of Employment) directly to HRDC.

Other details:

We suggest you read Article 33(A) of the Collective Agreement for additional information on maternity leaves and parental leaves. Please note that it is possible for a teacher to extend a maternity leave without pay for a limited period. To do this, a teacher must request a leave in writing with the district pursuant to Article 33(A)06 of the Collective Agreement. Such leave is possible only during the school year and cannot extend into a second school year.

Here is where you can find access to important information on maternity and parental leaves with EI.

If changes occur with your due date or if your doctor puts you out on sick leave before your due date:

Each pregnancy is different and in certain circumstances, due dates change or you may be faced with taking time off before the expected date indicated on the form. If this should happen, it is very important that you contact the NBTF so that modifications are made to your Maternity Leave Form. Also, the NBTF will be able to guide you through the options that are available to you. Depending on the situation, you may wish to take sick days from the employer, begin your leave earlier or access EI sick leave benefits. Options are always available.

Insurance coverage?

You can maintain your group insurance coverage while on maternity leave. To do so contact the Group Insurance Office (458-1981) or (1-888-851-5500) as soon as possible if you wish to retain/modify your coverage.

Premiums must be paid on a monthly basis or coverage will be cancelled.

It is important to note that changes in coverage must be made while actively at work; otherwise, no changes will be made until you return to work.

Problems with EI benefits:

Because of recent privacy laws, the NBTF needs your written consent in order to contact HRDC on your behalf. Should you have any problems in dealing with staff at HRDC, the NBTF recommends that you follow these simple steps:

• Call HRDC and request explanations;
• Make sure to note the name of the person you are speaking too;
• If possible, request that a case worker from New Brunswick return your call;
• Should you not get any results, sign your Maternity Leave Form at the bottom giving the NBTF authorisation to communicate with HRDC on your behalf;
• Take the signed Maternity Leave Form to your local HRDC office and fax or e-mail a copy to the NBTF;
• Remember, each time you speak to someone at HRDC, be sure to ask the person for his/her name. That information can be crucial in sorting out the information in your file;
• Remember, teachers are paid for 195 teaching days. Summer pay is a residual and not new earnings. Teachers are not paid for Christmas or March breaks (even though pays are divided into 26 pay periods.)
• Teachers are not entitled to receive maternity sick leave during non teaching periods. However, regular maternity and parental benefits will be paid during those periods.

Special Provisions for Schedule D Contract Teacher:

Teachers who have a Schedule D contract and who become pregnant are entitled to the same maternity benefits under Article 33 (A) of the Collective Agreement. However, your due date may affect when the 30 paid days may be taken. If you can finish the school year and your due date is during the summer or the fall, you will need to have been recalled to a position to get the 30 paid days from the employer. Otherwise, you will have to take the paid leave before the end of the school year, thus before the expiration of your contract. This means that your last day of work could be in May.

If you wish to finish the school year while not knowing if you will be recalled, then you will need the district’s written commitment that you will receive the 30 paid days after the end of the school year. If you aren’t able to secure this written commitment, then you will have to take the 30 days before the end of the school year or stand to lose this benefit. This commitment should be obtained by communicating with Human Resources at the district office.

The employer’s position is that once your contract D expires, you lose your “employee status” until you are recalled to another position. Not having employee status means you cannot receive benefits provided in the Collective Agreement.