The European Commission proposed yesterday to extend the minimum period of maternity leave from 14 to 18 weeks throughout the European Union with the aim of improving the reconciliation between family and professional life of women who have just given birth.
These measures are reached as a "future investment", seeking to change the downward trend in the birth rate in the countries of the EU, to alleviate demographic aging, increase the rate of female employment and work and family reconciliation. Many things to grab, each for what suits you, to win a couple more weeks in countries like Spain.
I would sign up for a "emotional, emotional and health investment", since it is a necessary time to be with a newborn baby, 2 more valuable weeks (although few) to continue creating bonds, to know each other, to grow together, for a better recovery and adaptation ...
Hopefully, despite the opposition of the European Employers, this measure will proceed as a step (short and insufficient, but after all) towards a maternal leave that meets the needs of babies and families.
Although we will have to wait, since the proposals must still pass through the Parliament and the Member States in a process that can be extended.
At present, the duration of maternity leave varies in Europe between 14 weeks in a small number of Member States such as Germany and 28 weeks in others such as the Czech Republic. In some circumstances, although not the entire period is paid, it can reach 52 weeks.
The Commission establishes as mandatory minimum wage during this period the same that is received in each country in the case of sick leave, although recommends that mothers receive 100% of their pay. In addition, it is still forbidden for workers to be fired during their leave and when they return to work they have the right to return to the same or equivalent position.
