Parties unanimous on extending parental leave and continuous working hours for parents of children up to 12

The parliamentary Labour Committee has unanimously approved a joint PSD and PS proposal to increase paid parental leave and extend the right to 'continuous working hours' to private-sector employees with children up to 12 years old. Parental leave will be paid at 100% for 150 days (if not shared) or 180 days (if shared); continuous working hours (a reduction of up to one hour per day) will require employer agreement or a collective bargaining agreement. These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2027, applying only to leave periods starting on or after that date.