Redwood City attendance policy

Redwood City has not adopted a maternity leave policy. Instead, it has adopted a Boards, Commissions and Committees (BCC) Attendance Policy. Nowhere in the policy is the word “maternity” or “motherhood” to be found. The BCC Attendance Policy first proposed at the June 10, 2019, City Council meeting specified a member had to submit a request in writing to the city clerk for a leave of absence (LOA) of up to three months for illness, military service or parental leave. The policy further specified a subsequent LOA which would extend the original leave beyond three months may not be granted.

The amended BCC Attendance Policy which was approved and adopted at the June 24, 2019, City Council meeting specifies a parental LOA of up to three months will be granted automatically on written notice to the city clerk. All other LOAs must still be requested in writing to the city clerk with a copy to the mayor. Requests to extend the LOA beyond three months will be considered on a case by case basis.

Barbara Valley

Redwood City