Academic employees: parental leave.
The implementation of AB 1390 would ensure that employees in academic positions at community colleges can take parental leave without the fear of financial burden, especially after exhausting available sick leave. Additionally, it sets forth that, upon exhausting sick leave, employees should receive a pay that is a minimum of 50% of their regular salary for the remaining period of parental leave. This move is expected to alleviate some of the economic pressures that employees face during parental transitions.
Assembly Bill No. 1390, introduced by Assembly Member Chavez, amends Section 87780.1 of the Education Code concerning parental leave for academic employees in California's community colleges. This bill allows academic staff to utilize their sick leave for parental leave for up to 12 workweeks during each school year. It aims to support employees during important familial transitions, such as childbirth, adoption, or foster care placement, by providing them with job protection and necessary time off.
The bill primarily serves as a clarification with no controversial changes to existing laws. However, there may be underlying contentions surrounding the adequacy of the provisions for ensuring comprehensive support for all employees, including those who are part-time or adjunct faculty whose rights and entitlements may differ. Furthermore, it maintains that community colleges' obligations regarding collective bargaining agreements will not be diminished, indicating a balanced approach toward employee rights and institutional responsibilities.