This decision would be a first for Europe: in Spain, the left-wing government is considering legislating a “Menstrual leave” for women suffering from dysmenorrheaHowever, this initiative is met with resistance not only from members of the government but also from the unions.
This measure could be included in an abortion bill and reproductive rights, which is expected to be approved by the cabinet on Tuesday.
“We will recognize through the law the right of women who have particularly painful menstruation to get a special (work) leave which will be covered by the state from the first day”he mentioned on Twitter Equality Minister Irene Monteroone of the party leaders of the radical left Podemosthe Socialist partner in the government of Pedro Sanchez.
It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post. According to Spanish media, which saw a draft of the bill, which was drafted by the Ministry of Equality, this leave will be for three days, with the possibility of extension for another two days in case the woman has severe symptoms. A doctor’s certificate will also be required.
“There are women who can not work and live normally for many days each month because they really suffer a lot”Moreno said this week. “We need to clarify what painful menstruation is: we are not talking about a slight malaise but serious symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, severe headache.”he had recently stated Undersecretary for Equality, also a member of Podemos, Angela Rodriguez.
Some countries, particularly in Asia, have in recent years introduced into their legislation the right of women to receive a “menstrual leave”Nevertheless no European country has yet taken such a measure. In France, few companies allow employees not to work these daysbut the “leave of absence” is not covered by law, nor by collective agreements.
In Spain, the debate has heated up as the left wing of the government may be pushing for the measure, but some Socialist ministers are wary of its high cost. Some also say that it would be “counterproductive” and would “stigmatize” women while men may be favored when hired.
The Minister of Economy, the Socialist Nadia Calvinio, also appeared wary. “We are working on many versions of this law,” he said, warning that “this government will never adopt a measure that would stigmatize women.”
The issue is also of great concern to the unions. “We should be careful with such decisions”said today the Deputy General Secretary of the UGT, one of the two largest unions, Christina Antonianthas. He even expressed concern about the possible “indirect effects” that this license would have “on women’s access to the labor market”. The possibility of “discrimination” against women was also mentioned by Ana Ferrer, executive of the Association of Patients with Endometriosis.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News
and be the first to know all the news
