HR Update

Minnesota recently implemented changes to pregnancy and parental leaves. The changes are in effect for all employees, regardless if the employee is covered under FMLA.  The changes are as follows:

• All employees who are biological or adoptive parents, in conjunction with a birth or adoption, are eligible for 12 weeks of unpaid, job protected leave.
• Employers are required to maintain health insurance provided the employee pays their cost of the benefit.
• Any/all prenatal medical appointments will not reduce the 12 week allowance.

For University employees, this means: 

• All employees, whether birth or non birth parent are eligible to take 12 weeks of unpaid, job protected leave when they become a parent through birth or adoption whether they are FMLA eligible or not. 
• All current benefits will remain in effect while the employee is out on leave as long as they continue to pay their portion of the premiums.
• Time away for prenatal medical appointments will NOT reduce the 12 weeks of unpaid, job protected leave that can be used after the baby is born.
• If the employee is FMLA eligible, this will run concurrently with the Pregnancy & Parental Leave.