The Movement of Ecologists-Civic Co-operation submitted a proposal for a law to extend maternity leave to 52 weeks without charge for social security contributions[/QUOTE]
The Movement of Ecologists-Civic Co-operation submitted a proposal for a law to extend maternity leave to 52 weeks without charge for social security contributions[/QUOTE]
Citizens' Co-operation to grant a right to a beneficiary of maternity leave to choose whether to take maternity leave for a longer period than that provided for in the existing law, provided that this period does not exceed 52 weeks.[/B] The proposal was discussed in the Labour Committee.
The President of the Ecologists, rapporteur of the proposal, Haralambos Theopeptou said that the extension of the leave will not be a burden on the Social Security Fund and there will be no additional costs and this is ensured by a 2nd proposal for a law that was tabled.
Mr. Theopeptou said the proposed law aims to ensure that young mothers who have no help and care for their children will be able to extend their maternity leave for a few weeks, as the state itself provides them with no help.
We have abandoned young couples, he said, we have no infrastructure and they run to grandparents to look after their children.
He said that because concerns were heard about the Social Security Fund, a bill was also tabled so that it would not be affected and there would not be any problems.
Theopeptou explained that the bill is separate from the Parental Leave Act and now the right to extend maternity leave without the risk of dismissal is now institutionalised.
Andreas Kavkalias, Chairman of the Labour Committee
said that the proposals tabled by the Ecologists for maternity protection are proposals with the right orientation. He said that during the debate it was agreed that they should also be discussed in the Labour Advisory Council and undergo further legislative drafting.
Thus, she said, it was concluded that more space and time should be given to develop the discussion and these will be resubmitted for discussion in 1-2 months.
From DISY, Fotini Tsiridou said that the state has taken measures to help young parents and to balance professional and personal life.
She also said the committee was told that the state is tabling a bill in August[/B] that will provide for paid parental leave of 18 weeks until the child is 8 years old.
On behalf of the EPP, Andreas Apostolou said the proposals improve the framework for social leave and his party is positive. He also stressed that there should be a more detailed and comprehensive discussion on improving the support framework for young parents by creating nurseries and kindergartens at no great cost, expanding the institution of all-day schooling and more. He said that the debate should be opened with the submission of plans by the Ministry of Labour and the Deputy Ministry of Welfare.
Sotiris Ioannou of ELAM[/B] said that for his party the demographic issue is the biggest problem facing the country and the proposal for a law by the Ecologists is in the direction of supporting the demographic. He also said that there should be infrastructure for child care and support for young couples.
Regarding concerns about the sustainability of the Social Security Fund, he said that "when the state returns the 9.5 billion it took from the Fund, then it will be both sustainable and surplus."
Source: CNA
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