Effective Aug. 3, 2020, Duke will provide up to six consecutive weeks of 100% paid parental leave to eligible employees to be used within the first 12 weeks after the birth or placement for adoption of his or her child.
If both parents are Duke staff members that meet the eligibility criteria, each parent is eligible to receive the six week paid parental leave benefit. An eligible parent is defined as a biological parent, same-sex spousal equivalent, or a new adoptive parent.
Staff members are eligible to receive Paid Parental Leave during the first 12 weeks following the birth or placement for adoption of a child. An individual who adopts a spouse's or partner's previous child(ren) is not eligible for this benefit.
*This policy may not be applicable to employees covered under a union contract. Employees covered under a union contract should refer to their respective contract.
Transition Period
A staff member who is in the three-week waiting period under the existing policy on Aug. 3, 2020, will become eligible for paid parental leave beginning Aug. 3.
See figures below for example.
Example of Current Policy
Example of Transition Period to New Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
**Effective Aug. 3, 2020**
How do I request/apply for this benefit?
To apply for parental leave you must complete a Leave of Absence Request form (form 1001). Your department payroll representative must also must also submit a Leave of Absence iForm using Duke@Work. You should choose the LOA Action Type, LOA with Pay and the corresponding action reason: FMLA - Paid Parental Leave. You must submit the iForm at least 30 days in advance of anticipated first day of leave.
Do I still accrue vacation, sick leave, or PTO while I'm out on leave?
Yes.
Will the paid leave be included in my regular paycheck or a separate check?
The paid leave will be in your regular paycheck providing you submitted the iForm at least 30 days in advance of anticipated first day of leave.
How should a department process payment for Paid Parental Leave?
For biweekly paid staff, process a gross adjustment form for the Paid Parental Leave leave period. Please note Paid Parental Leave and the corresponding dates in the remarks section of the form.
For monthly paid staff, no additional paperwork is necessary since the pay for exempt employees will continue while in a paid leave status.
If both parents work at Duke, can both receive the benefit?
Yes.
How long after the birth/adoption of a child can I take Paid Parental Leave?
Paid Parental Leave is designed to provide staff time and financial support to adjust to the addition of a new family member during the important period immediately following the birth or adoption of a child. Staff members are eligible to receive Paid Parental Leave during the first 12 weeks following the birth or placement of adoption of a child. (In order to receive the full paid benefit, a staff member would need to take his or her leave within the first 12 weeks following a birth or adoption.) An individual who adopts a spouse or partner's previous child(ren) is not eligible for this benefit.
Can I take Paid Parental Leave again for the birth or adoption of another child later?
Yes.
Can I take Paid Parental Leave and then take time off using Family Medical Leave separately?
No, Paid Parental Leave and Family Medical Leave run concurrently. Staff members must submit a Leave of Absence Request for Family Medical Leave as part of the process for requesting Paid Parental Leave. Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks off through the Family Medical Leave Act.
Do I have to be married to be eligible for this benefit?
No.
If you are marrying someone and are adopting your new spouse's children, are you eligible for Paid Parental Leave?
An individual who adopts a spouse or partner's previous child(ren) is not eligible for this benefit.
If an employee has multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.), is a staff member eligible for more than six weeks of Paid Parental Leave?
No.
Will staff members still receive six weeks paid leave if he or she does not submit the paperwork 30 days prior to the first day of leave?
Yes. The Paid Parental Leave will be processed in the next scheduled pay cycle after receipt of the appropriate forms. Retroactive leave of absence forms will require the applicable retroactive signatures.
Does the policy apply to foster children?
No. The benefit only covers birth or adoption.
Is Paid Parental Leave in addition to Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?
No, this leave is concurrent with FMLA and counted toward the 12 weeks of FMLA.
Can this benefit be used to cover time off for elder care or sick children?
No. Paid Parental Leave was designed to address the specific needs of maternity/paternity leave identified by staff through focus groups, interviews and roundtable discussions. Paid Time Off (PTO), vacation or sick time are available to support staff members' other needs for time away from work.
Does this benefit apply to bargaining units?
This policy may not be applicable to employees covered under a union contract.