FSU Nuts & Bolts: Medical and Parental Leaves: What to know
2/6/2023
Dear Members,
Occasionally, we like to remind you of what’s in your contract. This week’s Nuts & Bolts focus is on medical and parental leave.
Sick time
Faculty accrue sick time. The number of hours accrued is listed on your paycheck in the Available Hours box located in the lower left-hand corner of the paystub. Article 27.3.3(b) of the contract contains details on how your hours are accrued.
Medical/Sick/Parental Leave: Because of your union, you have many options for medical and family leave. Besides unpaid leave mandated by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Commonwealth’s new Paid Family Medical Leave (state laws), if you are benefited (i.e. 50% or more), you are also eligible for sick leave and parental leave through the FSU contract (all tenure track faculty members, all librarians with 4 months of service, and all NTT with 3 years of service at 100% are eligible for a paid semester of parental leave- note that the 3 years of service at 100% do not have to be consecutive; that is, NTT who have had semesters below 100% may still be eligible as long as they have also had 3 years- or 6 semesters- at 100% since their hire date. Tenure track faculty who take a parental leave may also opt to delay their tenure decision year (see Article 27.3.5(g) for more info).
Furthermore, once you use up all your sick leave time, you can apply for additional time from the Sick Leave Bank. (See Article 27.3.3(g))
Article 27.3.3 (pages 88-91) of the contract contains details on sick leave including accrual, documentation requirements and the sick leave bank. Parental leave details can be found in Article 27.3.5 (page 91 – 92).
IMPORTANT: Remind Human Resources of the FSU Contract!
When contacting the Administration/Human Resources regarding a possible medical leave, be sure to ask about your paid sick leave option from the contract and, if needed, time from the Sick Leave Bank. You cannot be compelled to take time via FMLA or its MA state equivalent in lieu of the paid sick leave that you are eligible for under the contract. Please contact the FSU if you have any questions or concerns about this.
Save the Date: FSU Annual Meeting
The FSU Annual Meeting is Tuesday, April 25th 3:30 to 5:00PM.
FSU bylaws require the annual meeting to take place between April 1st and the end of the semester. The purpose of the meeting is for members to approve the annual budget, determine dues and establish (or amend) policies.
Watch for more details. An agenda and supporting documentation including the budget will be sent no less than two weeks prior to the meeting.
The FSU Annual Meeting is open to FSU members in good standing only.
Sincerely,
Caroline Coscia
FSU President
Senior Lecturer II
Political Science Department