Health and safety at work: pregnant women, recently given birth or breastfeeding women (direct. 92/85/EEC). Report

The committee adopted the report by Elisa DAMIÃO (PES, P) on the Commission report on the implementation of the directive on health and safety of workers who are pregnant, have recently given birth or are breastfeeding. The committee called on the Commission to revise the directive, given the many shortcomings in its practical implementation. It said those Member States which have evolved bodies of legislation particularly suitable to deal with motherhood should serve as a benchmark for the others. The committee called for the revised directive to include the following: an increase in maternity leave entitlement to 20 weeks, with a mandatory 8 week post-natal recovery period; an increase in the duration of maternity leave to cover the full period required where pregnancy entails particular risk; a clearer definition of adequate allowance during maternity leave, which should be at least 80% of the previous salary; a strict prohibition on dismissal during pregnancy and maternity leave; a binding entitlement to work interruptions for breastfeeding, while ensuring compatibility with the requirements of the particular workplace; stricter controls on night work for pregnant women with no obligation to work nights for 16 weeks before or after childbirth. �