Unpaid maternity leave question

**Pixie83** · 21-11-2011 21:55

Hi all just wondering if anyone's come across this before? My boss told me today that the unpaid leave I've taken so far, and in the future, (cause I'm completely out of any paid leave!) relating to my pregnancy will come off my 12 months unpaid maternity leave when I start that next year....apparently it's called "special maternity leave" ??

Does anyone know anything about this? Work doesn't know yet that I'm not planning on coming back, but I was counting on that extra 12 months to add to my long service leave....so don't want it to be too severely cut!! I have had a lot of time off due to being really sick....

**baby please** · 21-11-2011 22:01

Pfft they cant do that to you, maternity leave is for when u have bubs, not before and sick, Think he just trying to bluff you there

**RmumR** · 21-11-2011 22:06

um dont think they can actually do that.
ask for a copy of the 'special' policy in writing and i think they'll find it hard to find.

if you have no sick leave left or annual leave than any leave before your official maternity leave (the start date you decide on and inform them of) should be taken as unpaid leave

**CupidsVictim** · 21-11-2011 22:06

Pretty sure they can't do that as I think the 'special maternity leave' is continuous leave taken prior to 36 weeks.... Not sporadic (it's like that at my work anyway)

You may also want to check, unpaid leave taken for maternity leave generally doesn't get added to your years of service for long service leave.

**Pixie83** · 21-11-2011 22:35

I found a bit on it when I googled, it's part of the fair work act apparently...but I really wasn't sure.

Also at my work unpaid maternity leave is included in your time worked and goes towards long service...

Thanks for the replies so far

**mummykitty** · 21-11-2011 22:54

Are you a member of your union? They should be able to help

**Pixie83** · 21-11-2011 23:18

Originally Posted by mummykitty

Are you a member of your union? They should be able to help

I don't even know if we have one....how would I find out? I work for a private consultancy...

**mummykitty** · 22-11-2011 01:06

Maybe try googling it? What do you consult for? Perhaps ring fair work people they'd know

**Pixie83** · 22-11-2011 10:01

I'm a zoologist, work for an environmental consultant.... Will have a go googling. Thanks

**MrsPuMp** · 07-12-2011 08:46

My work procedure says any continuous time taken off prior to the birth due to preg related medical conditions where you are unfit for work will be classed as special maternity leave. So if u have taken days here and there coz of morning sickness I dnt think they can count that as special mat leave. Ask to c the procedure.

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