20 weeks of maternity leave under new Maternity Leave Directive? (01-12-2012)

In a Council meeting on 1 December 2011 the progress made with regard to the Maternity Leave Directive was examined on the basis of a progress report.
The report shows, that the Proposal of the Commission for a Directive of the European
Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 92/85/EEC on the introduction of
measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers
and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding is far from being finally adopted. Main controversial issue is the length of maternity leave, which is extended by the proposal from 14 to 18 weeks. The Parliament, however, holds the view that maternity leave should last 20 weeks and should be fully paid, which is out of question for the Council. Nevertheless the Commission is not planning to withdraw the proposal but to take efforts to achieve further progress.

For further information see:

Progress report of the Council, 2008/0193 (COD)

Summaries of EU legislation: Protection of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding

Press release, 3131st Council meeting, Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs