Extra week of Paid Parental Leave welcomed

The Council of Trade Unions is today congratulating the Labour led government on achieving another milestone in paid parental leave, with the extension from 13 to 14 weeks of paid leave becoming effective today.

"We recognize the significance of today - New Zealand is now finally compliant with the International Labour Organisation's maternity leave convention, for a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave," said Carol Beaumont, CTU Secretary.

"Paid parental leave is not a luxury - it is a basic employment right, and we acknowledge Government's efforts to ensure that parents are not financially disadvantaged for taking time off work to look after their new baby." "

The CTU will continue to push for an increase in the level of payment, because, at its current level, the vast majority of workers still face a drop in income when they take parental leave," Carol Beaumont said.