“A victory for families across the European Union” - David Casa

Casa’s Work Life Balance Directive to become EU law

Today, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly to approve the result of David Casa’s negotiations on the Work Life Balance Directive.

Partit Nazzjonalista’s Head of Delegation in the European Parliament David Casa stated: “Following this vote, the work life balance directive has passed through all the European Parliament’s legislative stages and is set to becoming EU law that will have to be implemented by Member States”.

This EU law will introduce 10 days of paid paternity leave, 2 months of paid parental leave for each parent, 5 days of annual carer’s leave to care for sick relatives and the right to request flexible working arrangements.

“This law will increase citizens' rights across the EU. In some Member States, the changes will be greater than in others. For Maltese families, the increase will be substantial. 10 days of paid leave for fathers at the time of the birth of a child instead of the one day that is available now. Parental leave currently exists in Malta but it is not paid. This law will mean that 2 months of leave for each parent will be paid until a child reaches 8 years of age. This law also introduces carer’s leave - a completely new right in Malta.

Creating a better sharing of caring responsibilities between men and women is expected to enhance gender equality and assist women to reach their full potential in the workplace. This will reduce the gender employment, pay and pension gaps.

This law is good for women, good for men, good for families, good for the economy and a crucial step towards a more social Europe. My work does not stop here. We must now ensure that this law is effectively transposed into Maltese legislation and we continue our work to eliminate gender equality and to invest in families across Malta and Gozo.”