HR and Benefits: Active Employee Handbook

Maternity Leave

Maternity leave at Metro is defined by the Tennessee Maternity Leave Act. The full text of the Act appears in the next section. Among the highlights:

  • Female employees with at least 12 months of credited service are entitled to take up to four months of leave upon the birth a child for pregnancy, childbirth and nursing the infant.
  • During maternity leave, Metro will continue to provide you with benefits and hold your job (or a similar one) open for you, provided you return to work no later than four months after your leave begins.
  • You may not use maternity leave to look for another job or work for another employer.
  • Maternity leave extends to female employees only. Male employees who want to take time off upon the birth of a child must do so through FMLA.
  • Sick leave may be used for the time a physician certifies that the female is physically unable to perform her duties. The employee may also use accrued vacation and leave without pay.

FMLA and maternity leave run concurrently.