Notes from Human Resources Division

• Please note the following changes to maternity/ parental leave benefits:
  Effective December 31, 2000 the Government of Canada will increase the duration of maternity and parental benefits from 27 weeks (including a two-week leave of absence without pay) to 52 weeks (including a two week leave without pay). At that point provincial legislation will be inconsistent with the federal legislation since it provides only for a maximum of 27 weeks.

  What does this mean for University employees? Faculty, ASPA and CUPE 1975 are not affected by this change since their respective collective agreements contain clauses which allow for an extension of maternity/parental leaves to a maximum of 52 weeks, through mutual agreement between employees and their colleges/departments, and subject to approval by the Human Resources Division. CUPE 3287 employees are not effected by this change due to the length of their appointments. HRD recommends that personnel paid through research grants and other sources of funding receive parallel treatment.

  There is no change to the administration of sick leave benefits as they pertain to maternity leaves. Pregnant employees, including those who experience a normal pregnancy and childbirth, may access their sick leave before, during, or after the pregnancy, if supported by appropriate medical documentation.

  More detailed information will be sent out in a general mailing by the Human Resources Division within the next few weeks and placed on HRD’s website. In the meantime, you can receive further information by logging on to the Human Resource Department Canada website at http://www.hrdc-drhc.ga.ca/ei/common/parental_benefits.shtml, or call HRD at 966-6270.

• Reminder... Federal Election - Monday, November 27, 2000 - The Federal Elections Act requires employers to provide employees with at least three consecutive hours away from their place of employment in which to vote. Polls will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Election Day. Employees who work a shift starting before 11:30 must be allowed to leave work by 5:30 p.m. Arrangements must be made to alter the schedule of any employee whose current schedule for November 27, 2000 does not provide for three consecutive hours away from work between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Beverley Dickinson at 966-6282.

• Upcoming conferences...
  – The Saskatchewan Labour Force Development Board is sponsoring a conference entitled "Growing Our Own Workforce: The Benefits of Mentorship & Succession Planning" on November 14th and 15th at the Delta Bessborough in Saskatoon. For more information log on to http://www.dlcwest.com/~slfdb or call 3006-352-5999.

  – The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission and the Saskatchewan Association on Human Rights are co-sponsoring a seminar on human rights in the workplace on November 23, 2000 at the Radisson Hotel in Saskatoon. For more information call 933-5952.