Żminijietna is highly concerned with the latest developments regarding the EU maternity leave directive. The majority of the EU ministers who met in  Luxembourg decided to ditch proposals to extend minimum maternity leave to 20 weeks on full pay. A qualified majority voting is necessary for the proposed directive to pass.

The position taken by EU ministers, including that of Malta , goes against the concept of a Social Europe and is also a betrayal of women’s emancipation. The extension of maternity and parental leave will result in long-term benefits towards more equality between women and men and for socio-economic sustainability. This will also give men the chance to apply for the first time for two weeks parental leave with full pay.

The Maltese Government should take a firm stand in favour of this directive, by voting in favour.  The government is putting itself in a contradictory position with reference to its policy in favour of the family and working conditions.

Żminijietna appreciates the strong position taken by the European Parliament to confront the EU ministers’ position on this issue. The European Parliament is stating that it could block progress on issues where co-operation between the Parliament and Council is required.

The Group of the European Greens, the United Left Bloc, the Socialists & Democrats (S&D) group and the European Trade Union Confederation are all in support of this directive. Żminijietna appeals to the trade unions in Malta to lobby with the government in favour of this directive.

■ Maryanne Zammit

Assistant Secretary

Żminijietna