Member of Parliament (MP) Tamara Leonard no doubt meant well when she resubmitted an amendment to extend pregnancy leave for women and introduce such for the fathers (see Monday paper). As pointed out, research indicates that dads are equally important to the early development of new-borns.
She says studies also show benefits of her proposal like reduced sick-leave, less infant mortality, stronger family bonds and a greater sense of parental responsibility. These are all sensible and justifiable arguments.
However, the intention was already to increase the current maternity leave with full pay of 12 weeks to 14 weeks as the minimum recommended by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). These plans are part of the still-unapproved draft changes in the Civil Code related primarily to labour market reform.
The United Democrats politician wants to go even further by adding yet another four weeks to make it 18 in total. Mind you, that’s more than four months.
One can’t help but wonder about the impact of that and granting fathers two weeks as well, regardless whether they live with the mother and child, on the local business community. This is of major concern especially after the devastating blow Hurricane Irma dealt to the island’s tourism economy.
Under the circumstances it would seem prudent to for now settle for adding two weeks to the leave of expecting women and postponing paternity leave until further notice. Few will contest the desirability of spending more time with babies, but feasibility in terms of cost also needs to be considered.
