---

President Mori Signs Paid Maternity Leave Act into Law

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): October 21, 2009 - On October 16, 2009, President Mori signed Congressional Act No. 16-13 into Public Law No. 16-15, and with this law, per section 145 (1) of title 52 of the code of the Federated States of Micronesia, the FSM National Government removed maternity as a reason for leave of absence and added a new subsection 3 to allow paid maternity leave for FSM National Government Employees.

This new law grants employees six consecutive weeks per year of maternity leave, which will not be considered as annual or sick leave. It will "not accumulate any subsequent use by an employee before the end of each calendar year, and the employee must provide a doctor certificate indicating general condition during pregnancy and the expected delivery date".

In President Mori's transmittal letter of the Public Law to Speaker Figir, he stated that he was quite pleased that the Congress has finally revisited this issue and "deliberated on the potential implication it may have on the operation of our government." He also hoped that this law would help the eligible employees for maternity leave to assist them in coping with their new born babies and at the same time, keep them productive in our government and responsible parents at home. He added that now his concern is for paternity leave and perhaps the Congress would likewise give equal consideration and treatment.