Alternattiva Demokratika – the Green Party, has said that it welcomes the proposal for a E.U. directive by Vladimír ?pidla, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, to increase the maternity leave from the current 14 weeks to 18 weeks in all the countries of the EU.

Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson, said, “The increase in maternity leave was a proposal in the AD electoral programme. We welcome the Spidla proposal which will be presented on the 8th of October and which will also include a directive to secure the full monthly salary to mothers during the maternity leave period.”

Mary Anne Zammit, AD spokesperson on Health and Social Protection added, “A longer maternity leave will have positive effects on children and their development, by allowing them to spend more quality time with their parents. Also, women will be given the opportunity to remain in active employment by keeping their jobs and careers and involving themselves in every aspect of society. This is a very positive step towards gender equality. AD believes in family friendly measures through which work-life balance and people’s quality of life is improved. The next budget should give importance to such measures.”

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