Use of Paid Leave
The employer may restrict the use of paid sick leave to leave taken by a female employee at the birth of a
child or leave taken because of a pregnancy-related health condition.
Employer's Parental Leave Policies Must Be Consistent with Other Leave Policies
• If the employer provides pay for all other leaves of absence, the employer must also provide pay
for parental leave.
• If the employer provides pay for only medical leaves of absence, the employer must also provide
pay for a pregnancy-related disability, but is not required to provide pay for leaves involving
normal pregnancies, adoption by female employees, or leaves involving birth or adoption by male
employees.
• If the employer provides pay for benefits, plans, or programs associated with other types of
temporary disability, the employer must provide pay for benefits, plans or programs associated
with birth-related parental leave taken by female employees.
• Any employer policy or collective bargaining agreement that provides for greater or additional
benefits than those required by law must be followed.
Employees should consult their personnel officer, benefits officer, or union officer to receive the most
current information about their employer's parental leave policies.
If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the MCAD immediately because, in most
circumstances, you must file a charge at the MCAD within 300 days of the alleged discriminatory action.
More information available at: