About this Benefit
At UW-Milwaukee, parental leave policies reflect a combination of the Wisconsin Family and Medical Leave Act (WFMLA), the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), University of Wisconsin System policies and, for Classified employees, Department of Employment Relations (DER) regulations and collective bargaining agreements.
NOTE: When the provisions of the various laws, regulations and policies differ, the employee is entitled to the provisions which are most generous. Leave qualifying under the WFMLA and FMLA is counted towards the employee's entitlement under both laws as well as towards the employee's entitlement under UW System policies, DER regulations and collective bargaining agreements. To be eligible for the provisions of WFMLA, an employee must have been employed by the State of Wisconsin and/or the University for at least 52 consecutive weeks and have worked at least 1,000 hours during the preceding 52 weeks. To be eligible for the provisions of FMLA, an employee must have been employed by the State of Wisconsin and/or the University for at least 52 weeks (need not be consecutive) and have worked at least 1,250 hours during the preceding 52 weeks.
Total Leave Period
Several types of leave combinations made up of federal, state, UW System and classified staff regulations are available for parental leave.
The duration of the leave may extend from the time the leave is requested through the current semester and through the next semester (or six month equivalent) for unclassified staff. For classified staff, the maximum amount of time which may be granted is 12 months.
General information concerning these leave types is provided below but, since each situation is unique, it is best to consult your personnel representative as soon as feasible.
Leave Options
Employees may choose a combination of paid and unpaid parental leave. The options include use of available paid sick leave, vacation, personal holiday and an unpaid leave of absence.
The Wisconsin law (WFMLA) allows 6 weeks of paid or unpaid leave. The Federal law (FMLA) grants twelve weeks but only requires that leave time be granted, therefore, it is unpaid leave. The result is twelve weeks of parental leave time that includes the possibility of 6 weeks of paid time. Leave qualifying under WFMLA and FMLA is counted towards the employee's entitlement under both laws.
The leave of absence provisions of the UW System and DER allow the use of unpaid leaves to extend this twelve week period. Please see below under Unpaid Leave.
In addition, to accommodate medical conditions that may arise with pregnancy/adoption, UW System rules and DER regulations concerning sick leave should also be noted. Please see the information below as well as the Sick Leave section of this manual.
Return
to the Benefits Handbook Table of Contents
Return to the Benefits Information Page
Return to the Human Resources Home Page
Last modified: January 5, 2004
