Employers have yet to bring breastfeeding concerns to the attention of policymakers during discussions
In a recent development, the Portuguese Government has proposed limiting breastfeeding exemptions at work to a maximum of two years, a change from the current law that allows the exemption to last "as long as breastfeeding continues" without a time limit.
According to the Government's proposal, mothers would be required to provide a medical certificate proving they are breastfeeding 10 days before starting the work dispensation, and this certificate must be renewed every six months to continue the exemption. Currently, no certificate is needed until the baby’s first year, and thereafter it is at the employer’s discretion.
The Government's proposal also includes removing the guarantee that part-time workers receive at least 30 minutes of breastfeeding or milk release time adjusted to their work hours, potentially reducing protections in flexible work situations.
Regarding employers and the Confederation of Portuguese Businesses (CIP), while the CIP has not made a direct statement in this context, it is common for employer federations like the CIP to support adjustments that reduce what they may view as extended leave or exemptions that could impact productivity or work schedules. The Government’s proposal to limit breastfeeding exemptions and tighten certification requirements likely aligns more closely with employers seeking clearer and more defined limits.
However, the CIP has suggested an improvement to the proposal for breastfeeding exemptions, suggesting that the costs of breastfeeding licenses should be shared with Social Security.
Journalist Joana Ascensão reported on this issue, but her report does not reveal any opposition to the idea of breastfeeding exemptions from the CIP. The report also does not provide any new information about the potential benefits of breastfeeding exemptions.
It is worth noting that breastfeeding exemptions are not currently a priority for discussions between the Government and employers. The current debate centers around balancing mothers' breastfeeding rights and workplace flexibility, with the Government seeking to tighten rules and potentially employers favoring these changes.
[1] Source: Portuguese Government's proposal on breastfeeding exemptions
The Government's proposal on breastfeeding exemptions aims to extend the need for a medical certificate to 10 days before starting the work dispensation, with renewals every six months, contrasting the current law that doesn't require a certificate until the baby's first year.
The Government's plan also suggests removing the guarantee for part-time workers' breastfeeding or milk release time, potentially reducing protections in flexible work arrangements.
Regarding family health and women's health, the employers and the Confederation of Portuguese Businesses (CIP) have proposed sharing the costs of breastfeeding licenses with Social Security, indicating a potential concern for the financial implications of breastfeeding exemptions on health-and-wellness and family-health.
