The European Parliament is to refer back proposals for new legislation on health and safety protection for pregnant worker and improved maternity leave provisions. Opposition from the conservative European People’s Party and from the Liberals meant that there was no vote and the issue will now go back to the Committee stage and will be debated again when the new Parliament takes office. The ETUC had been pushing for an increase in the current minimum of 14 weeks’ maternity leave and for paid leave to be at the worker’s full salary level. The Confederation also wants to see more rights for women returning to work after maternity leave.
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ETUC disappointed by delay in maternity rights changes
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