Maternity leave policies vary throughout the world. Some countries will allow a parent up to a year of paid leave while other countries will offer only a few months of leave that is completely unpaid. Maternity leave policies vary within the United States as well, but most U.S. women should expect about twelve weeks of unpaid leave. That’s pretty poor compared to the rest of the world, especially when compared with Canada and Western Europe. While many other countries offer something similar to twelve weeks of leave it is rarely unpaid. Since many women can’t afford to take twelve weeks of unpaid leave they may, in reality, be taking maternity leave that is absurdly short; sometimes no more than a few weeks. More reasonable minimum standards need to be set.
Maternity leave can be a difficult balancing act for parents and companies. Obviously parents want to be around as much as possible to raise their children. Newborn babies require an extraordinary amount of care and after twelve weeks the amount of attention they need has barely diminished, if at all. It is nerve-racking and expensive to entrust your infant to the care of someone else…unless you are one of those lucky people who can depend on a grandparent or other close relative. At the same time it is very difficult for companies to pay an employee for months when they are not working, or even to hold their position for a long length of time. But some kind of balance needs to be struck. If we are really going to be a society with equal rights for men and women then we need to provide women with a reasonable way to balance a family and a career. This will require more than just a fair-minded maternity leave policy but it’s a start.
All employees have a right to at least 12 weeks of paid maternity leave, two weeks of paid paternity leave, and up to a year of unpaid leave that can be taken by either parent.
This is a minimum. Companies are encouraged to offer better benefits and could be awarded with tax breaks if they do. The important thing is that under this policy all women should be able to stay home with their babies for at least twelve weeks. Many will be able to stay home for a whole year. The twelve weeks of paid leave may be difficult for some companies but I don’t think the unpaid portion should be. Taking a temporary job for a woman on maternity leave could be an awesome way for young people to get their first work experience right out of college. This could also be a great thing for companies too as they would get a cheaper employee for a year.
With 40 hour work weeks (see previous decree) and a reasonable amount of maternity leave, I believe we are beginning to make strides in improving the quality of life for families. No one should have to choose between being a good employee and being a good parent. Granted there is still a lot more to be done but hey, it’s only January.
I hope you have enjoyed your first month of subjugation under your new Queen. Your continued loyalty and support over the next eleven months will be much appreciated…although also obligatory.
As always I remain your all-powerful and benevolent Queen of the World,
Marisa
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