Instead of three years, four months: are they planning to shorten maternity leave?

Ukraine has reached an important stage in the development of a new Labor Code, as the relevant committee of the Verkhovna Rada recommended its adoption in the first reading. This document, developed by the government, introduces significant changes to labor legislation, in particular regarding maternity leave.

The new Labor Code proposes to reduce the duration of parental leave from three years to four months, which has sparked active discussions. Trade unions have criticized this change, noting that this change may reduce the level of social protection for workers and contradict the Constitution, which prohibits restrictions on existing citizens’ rights.

However, the Ministry of Economy denies that maternity leave will be shortened. According to representatives of the department, the innovation is not intended to cancel or reduce the three-year unpaid leave that guarantees the preservation of a job. Four months, as stated in the draft, is a new format of paid leave for both parents, which meets European standards.

Thus, the project does not aim to reduce social guarantees, but offers a new opportunity – paid “parental leave”, which promotes equality in raising children and expands the choice for families.

Compared with international experience, the duration of maternity and parental leave in many European countries varies significantly. For example, in Germany and France, the total period can reach three years, but the first parts of the maternity leave are shorter: in Germany – 14 weeks, and in France – 16 weeks. Canada offers up to 78 weeks of parental leave, in Poland – 61 weeks, in the UK – up to 52 weeks, while Denmark provides about 50 weeks.

It is worth noting that the US does not have federal legislation on paid maternity leave for private sector employees; only unpaid leave of up to 12 weeks is available there.

Thus, Ukraine is gradually adapting its labor legislation in accordance with European practices. The most important thing is that the new provisions really improve conditions for families, and not become just a formality in the legislation.