Question: Our employee has been out on PDL for eight weeks and plans on taking an additional six weeks off after the pregnancy disability ends to bond with the baby. We have 15 employees. Does she qualify for additional job protected time off?
Answer: Yes. If you have five or more employees, you are a covered employer under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and will need to provide additional job protected leave so the employee may bond with the new baby.
Employees who have worked for the Company for at least 12 months and for at least 1,250 hours in the last 12 months are eligible to take up to 12 weeks in a 12-month period for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Bonding leave must be taken within one year of the child’s birth or placement.