Job Discussion Forums

Tumblashu's parents · Joined: 09 Jul 2008 Posts: 40

Hi

We are thinking of working in the UAE. What kind of maternity leave can we expect to get?

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

45 days maternity leave by law and 18 months of "nursing" time after your leave (could be 2 half-hour breaks or 1 hour for nursing each day).

Tumblashu's parents · Joined: 09 Jul 2008 Posts: 40

Do you know anyone who manages to make use of these half hour 'boobie breaks'?

Because unless you have the baby on standby on campus, I can't see it working...

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

Speculating here, but perhaps it's for expressing milk.

smedini · Joined: 24 Feb 2006 Posts: 178

So if you're a woman hired by contract to work in the UAE you can have maternity leave? I'm just curious (mostly Wink

)...I really don't intend to have more children but sometimes things happen and if that's the case and I'm on a contract, I can have maternity leave?

I had no idea...I assumed you wouldn't be allowed because you're on a contract...

~smedini

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

Quite common, actually. It wouldn't be a bad gig at all for someone who wanted to work and have children.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

In fact, there is often enough of it that people get tired of having to cover people's classes... especially as one doesn't get any more pay or time off or even a thank you from the mothers.

But... don't do it if you are single... that is a criminal offense. I know of a couple of female teachers who decamped rather suddenly.

VS

smedini · Joined: 24 Feb 2006 Posts: 178

Hey VS...

Is that a "veiled" hint that maternity leave isn't fair or appreciated!? Wink

I'm not saying that I'd like to take advantage of the system, though it is good to know...I just assumed that it would be cause for voiding the contract or something.

Hmm...what other secrets don't I know about this place!

~smedini

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Not veiled at all... in my opinion, it is not handled fairly. After repeated semesters, having to cover for teachers who are out for nearly two months gets very tiresome.

But, I'm sure that the new mothers appreciate it. Cool

VS

NadiaK · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 206

Err...when I was out on maternity leave my classes were covered by an adjunct who was paid for it. And I'm sure I remembered to thank her for it (why wouldn't I?).

I also expressed milk on campus - the college director was very supportive and made sure I had an appropriate place to do it.

Opti · Joined: 18 Sep 2006 Posts: 47

smedini · Joined: 24 Feb 2006 Posts: 178

It's unfortunate that such a benefit to some is such a hardship to others - obviously it's created a bad feeling or two out there Wink

. As I said when I originally posted, I was surprised to hear that maternity leave was even an option on a contracted position but I'm glad it is, even if I won't be taking advantage of it myself Confused

! However, if the school is going to offer that option, they should provide adjuncts to cover the missed classes - or offer incentives/bonuses for those faculty that have to.

IMHO
~smedini

NadiaK · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 206

Hear hear, Smedini. I'm gobsmacked to hear that this is not par for the course.

lyndalorient · Joined: 10 May 2007 Posts: 58 Location: Dublin

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

It sounds like they were trying to follow the US system. Shocked

But, they were breaking the maternity law that exists in every Gulf country. It is just that expats don't know the laws and allow something like this to happen. This wouldn't have happened at any of the legitimate employers.

It makes good sense to check your new employer's coverage if there is any chance that you may decide to have a baby while you are there.

VS