Labour MEPs have called on the European Commission to present new proposals to protect pregnant workers and provide stronger maternity and paternity rights.
Yesterday’s vote in the European Parliament – which Tory MEPs opposed – follows four years of deadlock over the 2010 maternity leave directive which aims to extend the minimum length of maternity leave and protect the health and safety of workers who have recently returned to work after giving birth.
MEPs also called for legislation to establish paid paternity leave.
Glenis Willmott, Labour MEP for the East Midlands, said:
“Unlike the Tories, who voted against today’s resolution, Labour has led the way in advancing the rights of working parents.
“If women are to play their full part in our economic recovery, and if we are to boost employment, it is clear we need to provide flexibility for mothers returning to work after pregnancy.
“This is why Europe needs a modern maternity leave framework that enables mothers, and fathers, to balance their work and family lives.”
