EU governments delaying more maternity leave

ONE YEAR AGO, the European Parliament adopted a very clear position on the revision of the Maternity Leave Directive. MEPs voted to increase the minimum period of maternity leave from the current 14 weeks to 20 weeks fully paid and also introduced two weeks’ fully paid leave for fathers.
We sought more, of course, but welcomed the vote at the time as “a boost for mothers and fathers across Europe”. Portuguese GUE/NGL MEP and gender policy co-ordinator Ilda Figueiredo said that MEPs’ approval of proposals to guarantee decent maternity leave would support pregnant workers and aid efforts to narrow the gender pay gap.
“In recognition of the social, economic and health benefits of decent maternity leave with full pay, the European Parliament has shot down shameful right-wing attempts to damage the status of maternity and paternity as fundamental social values,” said Figueiredo following what was a major victory for the Left in Strasbourg.
Unfortunately, EU governments in the European Council have since blocked the dossier, refusing to accept the proposals of the Parliament regarding these minimum standards.
For the European United Left / Nordic Green Left, Council’s position is unacceptable.
Decent maternity leave provision benefits child development, child and maternal health, reduces the costs of childcare, increases productivity and helps to achieve better work and family life balance. In short, it makes social and economic sense.

This is funded by the European United Left/Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL)