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  • Important Note: Any unpaid leave of absence, including PFML, may affect salary placement, retirement service credits, and SEBB eligibility. Refer to your collective bargaining agreement (CBA) or your Human Resources strand specialist if you have questions about salary placement.

    Maternity leave allows a staff member to use accumulated, paid sick leave for the period of actual disability attributable to pregnancy or childbirth. Male employees are entitled to the same leave that is available to female employees upon the birth or adoption of the employee's child.

    Family Bonding leave may be available to employees who are eligible for Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and/or state Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML). 

    Maternity Leave Timeline

    • The period of disability shall extend from the date of birth for a period of not more than 60 days, unless an actual period of disability which begins prior to the date of birth or continues beyond 60 days is otherwise verified in writing by the employee's physician. 
    • If the employee giving birth is eligible for Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML), they may choose to apply for PFML Medical/Pregnancy Disability for payment during their maternity leave. PFML grants up to 6 weeks for pregnancy disability. 

    Is Maternity Leave Paid?

    • Employees may use accumulated, paid district leave during maternity leave. When accumulated district leave is exhausted, leave without pay will be granted for the remainder of actual disability. 
      • During any unpaid portion of leave of absence, the staff member may pay the premiums for any district insurance plans to keep coverage in effect for the employee and her family.
    • If the employee is eligible for Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML), they may choose to use PFML Medical/Pregnancy Disability for payment during their unpaid district maternity leave. PFML pays 90% up to a weekly maximum of $1,456.

    Family Bonding Timeline

    • If the employee is eligible, FMLA will allow the employee to extend their leave for up to a total of 12 workweeks using district accrued leave or unpaid leave.
    • If the employee is eligible, Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) allows for 12 weeks of family bonding paid at 90% up to a weekly maximum of $1,456. 

    Maternity Disability and Family Bonding Maximum Leave Allowable

    If the employee is:

    • Not Eligible for FMLA or PFML: The actual period of disability as determined by the medical provider (usually 6-8 weeks).
    • FMLA Eligible: 12 weeks within a 12-month rolling year.
    • PFML Eligible: 16 weeks combining Medical Disability and Family/Baby Bonding (up to 18 weeks if C-section or complications).
    • FMLA & PFML Eligible: 24 weeks combining PFML medical disability, district accrued or unpaid leave and PFML Family/Baby Bonding.

    More Information

    Maternity/Family Leave Request Forms

    Leave forms can be found HERE.

    For additional questions, please contact Cindi Battram, the Leaves Specialist. She would be happy to assist you. She can be reached at 253-931-4916 or by email at cbattram@auburn.wednet.edu.