MISA introduces the new Paternity Benefit

 

MISA realises how important it is for a father to bond with their child.

 

From 1 January 2020, the Basic Conditions Employment Act (BCEA) was amended allowing an employee, who is a parent of a child, 10 consecutive days’ parental leave. It is also referred to as paternity leave.

 

However, like maternity leave, this is unpaid leave and the parent must claim the days from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).

 

Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says the request to include paternity in MISA’s benefits, came from MISA members at the Union’s Annual General Meetings. MISA members struggle financially while waiting for the UIF to compensate them.

 

MISA’s National Executive Council approved the new MISA Paternity Benefit to the value of R 1 000, available to 1 000 members, on the Gold or Silver Membership Options.

 

“The Paternity Benefit is unfamiliar ground for MISA and the Union will have to research claim patterns and the needs of its members. The benefit will be available to the first 1 000 eligible members as from 1 January 2023.

 

“It will only be paid to members whose contributions have been received for at least 26 consecutive weeks. The benefit will only allow for R1 000 per child per annum, payable per paternity claim. The MISA member’s written application must be received within 17 weeks from the date of the birth of the child.

 

Keyter says the Union is setting the trend for trade union’s in South Africa with the introduction of the Paternity Benefit.

 

New mothers with at least 26 weeks’ consecutive membership qualifies for the MISA Maternity Benefit of R3 000 per annum.

 

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