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UNI Europa, the European trade union for service workers, together with numerous partners is taking action to save the proposal for a revised maternity leave, bringing maternity leave up to 18 weeks, the standard of the UN International Labour Organisation.

The proposal has been on the table since 2008, but no agreement has been reached – putting the proposal at threat of being withdrawn by the European Commission which has described it as “red tape”. First Vice-President of the Commission Mr. Timmermans, has said that if nothing happens by the end of May, he will take the Directive off the table for good.

‘This Directive is needed to improve women’s rights and economic independence, and far greater gender equality across the EU. It would have a positive effect on and be a direct benefit to millions of families across Europe. It too would send a positive message to people across Europe that the EU is committed to a more social and fair Europe’ said Veronica Fernandez Mendez, Equal Opportunities Officer at UNI Global Union. ‘The threat to remove the Maternity Leave Directive from the legislative process is serious as it contradicts Europe’s claims to its commitment to gender equality and effective work-life balance for women and men in Europe’ she added.

A clear stand against the withdrawal of the Directive is essential. UNI Europa calls on Members of the European Parliament to break the deadlock by setting up a designated Working Group in order to resume negotiations. For the future of a gender-balanced Europe, ensure that a robust Maternity Leave Directive is adopted to guarantee equal opportunities and health and safety standards for all women in Europe!

Act now and spread the word using our material and the hashtag #SaveMaternityLeave