LM is currently not planning to drive changes to laws to introduce two paid holidays for women during menstruation / day
However, if the responsible Saeima commission, when evaluating this company’s initiative, will decide on the need to provide for the relevant regulation, then, involving all stakeholders, discussions could take place on this, the ministry said.
At the same time, the initiative would, in essence, be related not only to the right to such absence, but also to pay for such absence as well as medical approval.
Thus, this issue could be very complex and multifaceted, LM admitted.
Previously, Agnese, Deputy Chairman of the Saeima of the New Unity (JV), told LETA that the introduction of a holiday for women was looking cautiously during menstruation. « For the time being, I look cautious about this initiative, as it is important to take into account the impact on the budget and to assess socio -economic factors, such as whether such an approach does not diminish women’s competitiveness by applying for a job in the labor market.
In turn, Harry Rockpelnis, leader of the Saeima faction of the Greens and Farmers’ Union (ZZS), evaluates the initiative. He has emphasized that many holidays are already available to the population, and there is a clear order to take the disease page in such situations, so no additional regulation is needed.
Health Minister Hosam Abu Meri (JV) said that it is very likely to be a time for a discussion on the characteristics of a woman’s biological cycle, reducing the taboo and stereotypes of menstruation. At the same time, already in cases where the physical and emotional discomfort caused by menstruation, pain is unable to perform job duties and reduces the efficiency of the work – there is both the possibility of a failure page, with remote work with the employer agreed with the employer, the minister said.
It has previously been reported that the author of the initiative, Maria Ushkanova, wants to bring the Labor Law to the introduction of a rule that provides women with up to two paid holidays during menstruation. This would improve women’s health, well -being and work environment, as well as reduce stigma on menstruation. The initiative also provides a more understanding and fairer attitude towards women in the labor market, as has already been introduced, for example, in Spain and Japan.
These holidays should be granted in accordance with the employee’s choice and needs to guarantee privacy and simplify the process. The employer would be obliged to provide this holiday by maintaining the average earnings for this period, just as on the days of illness, Ushkanova offers. The use of this holiday could be recorded in the working time record as a special mark – « Menstrual leave ». Such a system is already operating in several countries and can also be adapted to the Latvian legal framework without overloading the administrative resources.
The author of the idea is convinced that as a result, women could restore their strength and recover from the physical and emotional discomfort caused by menstruation, reducing the need to use painkillers or work in their best condition. Employees would also feel appreciated and understood, which promotes loyalty, productivity and positive attitude towards the employer. One could still hope for less burnout and stress, as the opportunity to relax at the right moment helps prevent long -term health problems and mental exhaustion. It would also contribute to the reduction of stigma – such changes would facilitate the openness and understanding of society about the characteristics of a woman’s biological cycle, reducing taboo and stereotypes of menstruation.
