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FMLA/OFLA, Paid Leave Oregon & LEAVE OF ABSENCE
We now have an online application process for FMLA/OFLA leave through the American Fidelity Website - see below.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please call Human Resources at 541-997-2651, option 5.
When an employee is absent, or anticipates being absent, more than three consecutive calendar days for the following reasons: their own serious health condition, family medical need, sick child, pregnancy, parental, bereavement, or family military-related reason, the District requires that you follow the Siuslaw School District medical leave application process. The District is required by law to determine your eligibility for job-protected leave under the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA) - American Fidelity oversees this process. Per District policy, you have the option to use certain available paid leave during the same time as your FMLA/OFLA Leave.
THINGS TO KNOW:
FMLA/OFLA is unpaid, however employees are required to use their accrued leave available prior to going into an unpaid status. It may be granted for qualifying events up to 12 weeks intermittently or continuously.
Paid Leave Oregon is paid and may be granted for qualifying events for up to 12 weeks intermittently or continuously.
FMLA/OFLA typically run concurrently together for a combined total of 12 weeks. Leave may be continuous or intermittent. Intermittent is tracked by the hours taken, contact HR for assistance.
FMLA/OFLA and PAID LEAVE OREGON
Application for the District's Paid Leave Oregon Equivalent Plan and FMLA/OFLA may be submitted to American Fidelity Apply Here. Employees must notify the District within 30 days of the anticipated leave. In emergency situations, you must notify the District within 24 hours. An additional written notice is required within three days of starting leave. Oregon Paid Family and Medical Leave will run concurrently with OFLA and/or FMLA when applicable. Here is the step by step on how to apply for Paid Leave Oregon through the American Fidelity Website American Fidelity - How to Request Leave with Paid Leave Oregon . Please keep your Admin/Supervisor apprised of your leave dates.
The support site, americanfidelity.com/leave-or, provides FAQs and how-to videos, including requesting leave.
The Leave Resources link helps explain your leave resources.
How to REQUEST LEAVE Video Link.
If you have any questions, you can contact American Fidelity at 800-662-1113.
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Leave Accruals: Leave accrual will not accumulate while on unpaid FMLA/OFLA leave.
Frontline: You must update Frontline with your FMLA/OFLA leave information. Securing a substitute is your responsibility. If you are unable to do this, please contact your secretaries or HR.
Insurance: During approved protected leave, the employer must maintain the employee’s health coverage under any “group health plan” on the same terms as if the employee had continued to work. The District will continue to make its contribution but if there are any out-of-pocket expenses, you will need to make arrangements to pay your portion.
Sick Leave Pool: When an employee in either the certified or classified unit exhausts his/her sick leave due to a debilitating illness or injury and the employee is not eligible for salary replacement benefits through another source, such as Paid Leave Oregon, workers compensation, disability insurance, PERS benefits, or Social Security, the Siuslaw Education Association or the Oregon School Employees Association may request sick leave donations in accordance to their respective negotiated contract.
FMLA/OFLA/Paid Leave Oregon Documents
LEAVES OF ABSENCE
A regular employee, upon request in writing and upon approval of the Superintendent, may obtain leave of absence without pay for a period not to exceed one year, except as provided in Oregon Revised Statutes. Sick leave, vacation time, and other employee benefits, shall not accrue during the period of the leave. The following provisions must be adhered to when such leave is used:
Request for leave All requests must include the effective date of the leave, reason for leave and the date on which the leave will terminate. Requests shall be submitted to the Superintendent in writing. The request should also identify whether a substitute is needed for leave.
Certified staff may request a leave of absence without pay for up to twelve months for maternity/paternity purposes. When this immediately follows delivery/adoption/placement of a child, the first twelve weeks of maternity/paternity leave shall fall under OFLA/FMLA with all appropriate rights and benefits attached This leave is also available for individuals adopting a new child. Requests for such leave shall be discretionary with the teachers involved and shall be subject to Board approval. Female teachers who are pregnant may request such leave in lieu of paid sick leave.
Classified staff may request a leave of absence without pay by submitting a written request to the Superintendent . Employees shall not be eligible for such leave until they have completed at least one (1) full year of employment. Such leave shall not exceed twelve (12) months in duration. An employee on such leave shall not receive compensation or seniority for the duration of the leave, but shall have previously earned leave and seniority restored upon return. Written leave requests shall state the reason for such request. The District retains final decision making authority regarding requests and final decisions are not subject to the grievance procedure in this agreement.
Reinstatement Upon Expiration At the expiration of the leave, employees shall be reinstated to service with the District in a position comparable to the one held at the time the leave commenced without loss of any rights or benefits which would ordinarily accrue during any leave of absence. Except where applicable law requires, seniority rights are not accrued while on leave.
Exceptions Employees will be returned to service with the District upon the expiration of leave in a position at least commensurate with the position formerly held, except when the position formerly occupied has been abolished.