A step forward: New work-life balance package to improve the lives of working parents

Make Mothers Matter has joined a Coalition of European NGOs to warmly welcome this initiative. We are pleased to see it reflect our demands for a life-cycle and transversal approach. We are convinced that this initiative has the potential to bring real change in the lives of many Europeans.

First, we welcome the initiatives improving the current leave schemes as well as provisions of quality, affordable and accessible care services and the introduction of the right to request flexible working arrangements. A demand from MMM since several years and a very important measure to enable working mothers to remain or re-entry the labour market.

Some of the measures included are particularly helpful, notably the introduction of a paid paternity leave of ten days at EU level and a minimum payment at sick leave level of parental leave and increased flexibility (it can be taken until 12 years of age of the child and full time or part time). Payment, flexibility and non-transferability have been proven crucial to increase take- up among fathers. The Directive introduces also a new carers’ leave of 5 days per year paid also at sick pay level.

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