Who Can Take Parental Leave in Minnesota?

• Employees working at least half-time at any state, local or federal public-sector position or at a private-sector position with at least 21 employees on site. Employers with at least 50 employees must follow the more restrictive, federal leave law. This gives even more rights to the family.
  
  

What Reasons Can Leave Be Taken?

• In Minnesota, a request for leave can be given if a parent is giving birth or adopting a child. If a child falls ill, the parent may take his or her own sick leave to take care of the child.
  
  

What Benefits Are Provided?

• Minnesota guarantees six weeks of unpaid leave as well as continued health insurance. The employer must keep the employee on the company insurance policy, but the employee may become responsible for 100 percent of the coverage during his or her leave. Additionally, employees are guaranteed that they will maintain their previous job or an equivalent position upon return. An equivalent position is one with the same number of hours and wage and has duties comparable to the previously held position.
  
  

Eligibility

• To qualify for leave, an employee must work for the same employer for a consecutive twelve month period. This period must be immediately before the leave will be taken. The employee must work at least half of a full-time equivalent for that employer.
  
  

Returning to Work and Working Part Time

• When the employee returns, he or she is guaranteed the same seniority and benefits granted to them before the leave. Employees can work part-time during the leave without being penalized. They are still guaranteed their former or equivalent position at the end of the leave period.