KOROR, Palau — The Koror State Government has implemented a new policy granting maternity and paternity leave to its employees, becoming the first state in Palau to introduce such benefits through its employment policy.
Under the policy, female employees are eligible for up to three months of maternity leave, while male employees can receive up to one month of paternity leave. They get paid a full hourly rate of up to 120 hours and after that, they get paid half the rate.
“Our employees have constantly asked for it, and we see that it is needed and would be of value to the employees of Koror State,” said Governor Eyos Rudimch in an interview with Island Times.
While not mandated by national law, the policy represents a significant shift within Koror State’s government employment framework. Governor Rudimch noted that although there is no state law requiring such leave, the government has the authority to amend its internal policies to meet the needs of its workforce.
The policy also includes a leave-sharing provision. Employees who require additional maternity or paternity leave beyond their allotted time can request to “borrow” leave hours from colleagues with excess leave balances. The transfer of leave hours is contingent on the consent of the donating employee, and limits are in place regarding the number of hours that can be requested.
Koror State’s move contrasts with the national government’s public service system, which currently offers one month of paid maternity leave. Efforts in the Ninth and Tenth Olbiil Era Kelulau to pass a comprehensive maternity leave act failed to secure enough votes for enactment. (By: L.N. Reklai)