Paid Pregnancy Leave For Public-School Employees?

August 20, 2018 – Isn’t it ironic that teachers, who spend most of their time caring for other people’s children, are often deprived of the opportunity to bond with their own children during a pregnancy or after giving birth?

Currently, California’s Pregnancy Disability Leave Law (PDLL) allows up to four (4) months of protected pregnancy leave if an employee is “disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.” Additionally, at the end of the employee’s period of pregnancy disability, a CFRA-eligible employee may request to take baby bonding of up to twelve (12) workweeks for reason of the birth of her child, if the child has been born by this date.

However, the vast majority of women are not paid during pregnancy or baby-bonding leave, leaving expecting mothers with no income. Most teachers are forced to use their sick pay benefits to have some sort of income during maternity leave. This has naturally hindered women from growing their families or being in the profession of teaching.

Fortunately, Assembly Bill 568 was recently granted legislative approval and is now waiting for Governor Jerry Brown’s signature. AB 568 would mandate school districts, charter schools and community colleges to provide at least six weeks of full paid leave for pregnancy, miscarriage, childbirth, and recovery to all teachers and other public-school employees.

This would be an immensely progressive leap for women, as they will finally have the financial stability they need during the time they are bonding with their children, all while securing their important roles in the educational system.

Hats off to all of the supporters!

Know your rights,

SK