GSP 15-21 Statutory Leave for Parents
20/May/2021
Description
Please find attached a policy agreement the CWU has concluded with An Post related to the various forms of Statutory Leave that is available to parents.
Legislation relating to parents leave has been changed over time, primarily because of campaigns by the Trade Union movement. These improvements have been copper fastened in An Post following discussions with the CWU. Following discussions initiated by this Union, the various changes to legislation have now been incorporated into one document which outlines the most up to date information outlining all of the supports and entitlements available to working parents. The agreed policy document comprehends the following areas and how they will apply in An Post:
- Parental Leave
- Parents Leave
- Force Majeure Leave
- Paternity Leave
Parental Leave
Parental Leave has increased to 26 weeks with the facility for those who previously took the 22 weeks leave to avail of the additional leave. Parental Leave is unpaid. The enhancements previously agreed with the Union remain in place including:
- Parents can take parental leave as a block of one week or less at a time with the approval of the Company.
- Employees can have their pay averaged over the course of the calendar year
Parents Leave
Parents Leave has increased to 5 weeks, must be taken within 2 years of the child’s birth and is in addition to Parental Leave. This leave is unpaid, although Parent’s Benefit may be payable by the Department of Social Protection.
The leave entitlements available are summarised below:
| Leave Type | Who can avail of it? | How long is it? | Is it paid? |
| Parental Leave | Parents and guardians of children under 12 years of age | A maximum of 26 weeks | No it is unpaid |
| Parents Leave | Parents and guardians of children under 2 years of age | A maximum of 5 weeks | Parents benefit from the state may be payable but the Company does not top up this leave |
| Paternity Leave | New parents of children under 6 months (not the mother of the child) and must be taken within 6 months of the birth | 2 weeks | Paternity benefit is payable from the state and An Post will top this up |
Please bring this to the attention of all members.
Attachment to GSP No 15-21 Statutory leave for Parents