18 Jan 2010

American Samoa push for paid maternity leave

2:27 pm on 18 January 2010

An American Samoa lawmaker has introduced legislation to allow every mother, who is a government worker, a maximum of 30 days paid leave during the six-week period after the birth of a child.

Sponsored by House member, Galumalemana Bill Satele, the measure would create a maternity leave provision in local law.

The bill also says that maternity leave not taken or used during the six-week period is forfeited, does not accrue and may not be converted to any other type of leave or compensation time.

The Human Resources department is charged with adopting administrative rules necessary to further implement, manage and document maternity leave.