New Parental Leave Act Extends Coverage To Smaller Employers

Samantha from Oakland writes: Since 2016, I have been working full-time for a small business in Oakland. I am pregnant with an expected due date of April 2018. When I spoke to the owner about my leave of absence after the birth of my baby, she said that because she only employs 30 employees, I would only be entitled to a 6 or 8 week leave of absence, depending on how my baby is delivered. Is that correct? I thought I would get another 12 weeks off for baby bonding? Will my job be protected if I take this much time off? I am also concerned about my health insurance. Does my employer have to continue making payments during my leave?

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What Is The Law On Pregnancy Accommodation In The Workplace?

This week’s question comes from Trish W in West Portal who asks; “I am pregnant and have never been in a situation where I have had to ask for any accommodation or time off for injury. I am having bad morning sickness but I go into work anyways so I don’t get in trouble. What are my rights, how much time can I take off, when can I take it off.”

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What Is The Law In California To Take Time Off Work To Care For A Family Member?

Adam from Mission Bay writes, “Chris, my husband Jeff was hit by a car while crossing the street near our condo. Jeff was in the crosswalk and suffered a fractured leg and a concussion. I did not have any PTO at work. I took off a week anyways to care for Jeff after he was released from the hospital.

My manager was upset with me for not reporting to work. He said he couldn’t get coverage for my shifts and fired me the day I returned to the job. I had emailed my manager that I would not be coming into work to care for Jeff. It’s a big company of about 100 people throughout the Bay Area, with about 50 in my division in San Francisco.  I have worked for them for two years and never called in sick.  Didn’t I have the right to take time off?”

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