Maternity and paternity leave
Article 16
1. An SNE shall be subject to the rules in force at the Agency as regards maternity and paternity leave. 2. Where the national legislation of the employer grants longer maternity leave, at the SNE's request and after prior agreement of the employer, the secondment shall be suspended for the period exceeding that granted by the Agency. In that case, a period equivalent to the suspension shall be added at the end of the secondment, if the interests of the Agency so warrant. 3. Notwithstanding paragraph 1, the SNE may apply for a suspension of the secondment to cover the whole of the period allowed for maternity, after prior agreement of the employer. In that case, a period equivalent to the suspension shall be added at the end of the secondment, if the interests of the Agency so warrant. 4. Paragraphs 2 and 3 shall also apply in cases of adoption. 5. An SNE who is breastfeeding may on request, on the basis of a medical certificate attesting the fact, be granted special leave for a maximum of four weeks running from the end of her maternity leave, during which period she shall receive the allowances laid down in Article 19.