California requires employers to provide employees with parental leave. Here’s what you need ton know about California’s parental leave laws.
Parental leave is unpaid time off from work for parents to care for and bond with their new child. Employers with at least 20 employees are required under state law to provide parental leave.
Parental Leave in California
In California, parental leave is defined as unpaid employer-provided time off from work for parents to care for and bond their new child. For women, maternity leave is considered both parental and pregnancy disability leave.
Employers are not required by California laws to provide paid parental leave, but city ordinances require certain employers to provide paid leave. Employees are free to request paid leave or use sick leave, vacation, or paid time off to cover the parental leave.
California Parental Leave Laws
The California Family Rights Act requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide a maximum of 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave. The New Parents Leave Act requires employers of 20 to 49 employees to provide the same amount of leave.
Related: Pregnant Employee Rights in California
Eligibility for Parental Leave
In order to qualify for parental leave, the employee must:
- Have worked for their employer for at least 12 months
- Have worked at least 1,250 hours in those 12 months immediately before the leave
- Work at a location where the employer has at least 20 employees in a 75-mile radius.
Related: Pregnancy Disability Leave in California
FAQs
What is parental leave in California?
Parental leave in California is legally mandated time off from work for parents to care for and bond with their new child. Parental leave is unpaid.
Related: Paid Maternity Leave for Federal Employees
What are the parental leave laws in California?
The California Family Rights Act requires employers of 50 or more employees to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave. The New Parents Leave Act requires employers of 20 to 49 employees to provide the same amount of leave.
Contact Her Lawyer
If you or a loved one would like to know more about parental leave laws in California, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified attorney for your unique legal matter. Get your free consultation with one of our California Employment Attorneys today!