news article
United Methodists of Upper New York Parental Leave policy
September 27, 2024 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As approved at the 2024 Annual Conference, there is a new Parental Leave policy for all clergy and laity employed by the Upper New York Annual Conference or any of its funded extension ministries. This policy applies to all clergy, regardless of their part-time or full-time status, and lay employees who work 20 or more hours a week, or who have worked for at least 175 hours.
This policy was effective as of the adjournment of Annual Conference 2024.
Parental leave must be requested at least 90 days, when feasible, before the anticipated start of the leave. Parental leave is available for up to 13 weeks with full pay and will not affect any benefits granted to the clergy or lay employee. The clergy or lay employee’s compensation must be continued for the duration of the leave. The employee’s supervisor will arrange for coverage, in consultation with the employee, for the duration of the leave. Employees are not required to use time-off benefits during Parental Leave. Parental Leave may be taken consecutively or intermittently. If taken intermittently, Parental Leave must be taken in full day increments. Parental Leave must be taken within 12 months of the placement or birth of the child(ren).
The first 12 weeks of Parental Leave is eligible for Paid Family Leave (PFL) reimbursement up to the amount allowed by the New York State Paid Family Leave Act and paid for by the insurance carrier. The employee will be required to work with their employer to complete the required forms necessary to reimburse the employer for the PFL portion of the salary that will continue for the first 12 weeks of leave. Forms and information for the New York State Paid Family Leave are available on the website.
Employment settings must comply with federal and state law regarding expression of breast milk in the workplace.
If you have any questions on the parental leave policy, please contact Tracy Rickett, HR Generalist, at tracyrickett@unyumc.org or (315) 898-2017.