Maternity Leave for RNs in BC

World International

Published

I'm a new RN grad in BC and as most of you in the area have noticed, there aren't really any jobs to go around. I was able to land a casual position eventually.

My question to all of you is, can a casual RN be eligible for maternity leave. I would like to start a family sometime soon (I waited through four years of nursing school already) but I'm not sure if I can be granted maternity leave as I am only a casual worker.

I tried looking into the BCNU collective agreement but all of the language regarding maternity leave seems to be directed toward regular employees. Any information on this would be greatly appreciated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

Maternitiy leave is a federal initiative through EI, not a union one (although some provinces' unions have a provision for "topping up" so that there's no net loss of income for that period). To qualify for benefits you have to have worked a minimum of 600 hours in the preceding 52 weeks and have your income reduced by at least 40% by being on maternity leave. 600 hours is roughly equivalent to a 0.3 FTE and is entirely reachable as a casual in most places if you're serious. To learn more look at: Employment Insurance (EI) and maternity, parental and sickness benefits

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks so much for the info, janfrn!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

You're welcome!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment