According to Paus, the two-week leave of absence after the birth should be laid down in the Maternity Protection Act. Parents must be supported in their wish for a partnership to share family work. Especially in the first time after the birth, it is important “that parents have time for each other and the baby,” said the minister. This is also important “so that fathers can develop a close relationship with the child early on”.
The Greens politician described the exemption as “another important building block for the compatibility of family and work”. With their support, employers made an important contribution.
The traffic light parties had agreed in the coalition agreement to legally allow two weeks of paid leave after the birth. With the proposed legislation, Germany is implementing an EU directive.
