The government has progressed and will present a proposal to partners regarding family and parental matters, stated Mário Mourão, Secretary-General of the General Union of Workers (UGT), after today’s social dialogue meeting in Lisbon.
The President of the Portuguese Business Confederation (CIP), Armindo Monteiro, noted the government’s intent to amend breastfeeding-related measures, ensuring the two-year period remains but addressing the necessity of providing medical proof.
Originally, the government’s proposal sought to cap breastfeeding work exemptions at two years, while current legislation allows for continuation as long as breastfeeding persists without a maximum limit.
Additionally, a medical certificate confirming the breastfeeding situation must be presented to employers 10 days before the exemption period begins, and this document needs renewal every six months to verify the mother’s breastfeeding status.
Both the UGT’s Secretary-General and CIP’s President indicated government amendments also address gestational bereavement. The preliminary draft proposed revoking gestational bereavement absence, arguing that all cases fall under current miscarriage leave.
Mário Mourão views this progress positively but calls for caution, preferring to comment once he sees the concrete proposal.
When asked if he would agree to a deal if only these issues were amended, he responded strongly: “No, it’s too little. Many aspects and proposals are detrimental to workers,” he emphasized.
To the UGT, more severe issues in the government’s draft include worker reintegration after dismissal, individual time banks, and working hours.
The CIP President confirmed that the confederation does not oppose these changes if they contribute to social peace.
Leaving the meeting, the Labor Minister stated she wouldn’t comment on specific measures. However, asked if the government might backtrack on breastfeeding and gestational bereavement, she said, “The government is not immobile on any matter, so this is one among many under discussion for reformulation or retraction, naturally,” she assured.
