Canada/Rio Tinto enhances parental leave plan
Rio Tinto will make improvements to its global minimum standard for paid parental leave for its employees and eliminate the distinction between primary and secondary caregivers. All parents will be eligible for 18 weeks of paid parental leave.
These enhancements recognize the shared responsibilities between parents and provide a 100% pension contribution rate for periods of unpaid or partially paid parental leave.
"This new parental leave standard demonstrates our commitment to fostering a more inclusive, rewarding and diverse workplace that is fairer to all. Every family situation is different. The changes we will be implementing are designed to provide greater flexibility to our employees so they have the opportunity to provide for their families, regardless of their gender or parenting status. This will enhance their well-being and that of their families. This will enhance their well-being and that of their families," said James Martin, Chief Human Resources Officer, Rio Tinto.
Under the new standard, which takes effect June 13, 2022, any employee who becomes the natural or adoptive parent of a child or uses a surrogate mother will be eligible for 18 weeks of paid parental leave within the first two years of the birth or adoption. The benefits will be rolled out during 2022 and 2023. They will be subject to adjustment based on local regulations, customs and contexts.
Where both parents work for Rio Tinto, both employees will be eligible for paid parental leave. They can take it at the same time, one after the other or with an overlap between the two, whichever best suits their family's needs.
Under the new standard, employees will be entitled to up to 52 weeks of unpaid parental leave, including the portion associated with paid parental leave, while receiving a 100% pension contribution rate.
"These changes not only provide immediate benefits, but also take a long-term view by ensuring adequate funding for our employees' retirement. We hope that with the maximum pension contributions for periods of unpaid or reduced hours parental leave, we will be able to close the gender gap in retirement," concludes Martin.
Rio Tinto currently offers 18 weeks of paid parental leave to employees recognized as primary caregivers and one week of paid leave for secondary caregivers.
Source: les2rives.com
