MANILA -- Not only will the 105-day Expanded Maternity Leave Law (EML) guarantee a healthier, highly productive next generation of Filipino workers, the measure will also ensure greater protection for working mothers.
The consolidated enrolled bill, Senate Bill No. 1305 and House Bill No. 4113 on the Expanded Maternity Leave (EML) was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte today, February 21.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), the country’s largest labor group, thanked President Duterte for signing the measure into law, saying it will greatly benefit women working in the dangerous workplaces such as those exposed to toxic substances.
“In behalf of the Filipino workers particularly the women working force who have been looking forward for this trail-blazing breakthrough, we thank President Duterte for doing the right thing in improving protection for working women,” TUCP President Raymond Mendoza said in a statement on Thursday.
“By expanding the paid maternity leave benefits to 105 days, we have a win-win situation for both working mothers and their babies and for businesses. With the faithful enforcement of the law, the TUCP expects the next generation of Filipino workers to be healthier and more productive with the measure ensuring more protection for their working mothers who nurture them. We also envisage that these babies who will become the next generation of workers will, at the same time, being healthier translate into higher profits for employers and businesses,” said Mendoza.
He said the short- and medium-term benefits for firms are expected in terms of the retention and productivity of experienced women workers.
Mendoza pointed out that working mothers working in the challenging electronics production and garment sectors will be the immediate beneficiaries of the enhanced maternity protection the law provides.
“The law enhances maternity protection for salaried mothers who are often exposed to dangerous chemicals and those tending tedious jobs in highly vulnerable electronics and garment industries. Working mother in these challenging industries will now enjoy better working conditions, benefits and services than before,” Mendoza said. (PR)
