Maternity Leaves

THE GVTA STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU TAKE YOUR MATERNITY/PARENTAL LEAVE USING THE 'EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS ACT' CLAUSE OF THE COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT.

The Employment Standards clause is superior because: a) it allows you to choose your end date within a one year time frame, and b) it is a short-term leave and you must be reassigned to your same position whenever possible.

We recommend you use our sample_maternity_leave_letter to apply for your leave and that ensure that the leave granted (the letter your receive from Human Resources) acknowledges that a) you have applied under the ESA clause, and b) that you have been granted a short-term leave. 

If you are considering maternity leave, please be aware that there are two options available to you: G.2.1.i or G.2.1.ii. 

G.2.1.i/G.2.4.i

You can apply for maternity leave under Article G.2.1.i of the Collective Agreement under Part 6 of the Employment Standards Act (1996).

This allows you up to one calendar year of leave and the right to return, when you are ready, at any time during the school year, to the position that you had before you left.

G.2.1.ii/G.2.4.ii

If you apply under Article G.2.1.ii of the Collective Agreement for a leave then you can only return at a natural break in the school year, such as the beginning of a semester, at the beginning of the school year or after the spring break. There is no advantage to this type of leave - it restricts your return date unnecessarily.

You must specify which option you are choosing at the time you apply for your leave. You are advised to contact the GVTA for advice before applying for maternity leave. 

Extended Leaves

If you take a short-term maternity leave, you return to your original position. If you extend your leave, you will return to a reasonably similar position, but a return to your original position is not guaranteed. You may want to take this into consideration when planning your leave. If you request an extension, your return must occur at a natural break.