Homepage Education Events Research Resources Executive Pay
Show News
  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Family-related leave and industrial relations

Family-related leave and industrial relations

INTERNATIONAL REWARD

Family-related leave and industrial relations

The European Industrial Relations Observatory has published a comparative study examining the various forms of family-related leave for employees -- principally maternity leave, paternity leave, parental leave and leave for urgent family reasons -- in 19 EU member states and Norway.

The study finds that, while in most countries it is legislation that sets the framework for leave systems, collective bargaining may significantly supplement and enhance the legislative provisions in many cases, and in a few countries it plays an even more important role.

What you will find in this report

The EIRO report looks at the current position on family-related leave in 19 EU member states and Norway, focusing on the statutory framework and regulation by collective bargaining. It also examines the views of trade unions and employers on this issue and assesses the impact of family-related leave and its effects on gender equality.

Comparative tables setting out summary details of the statutory provisions on the main forms of family-related leave in the countries are provided.

The report is divided into five main sections:

Key developments since 1990s

  • summarises developments in family-related leave across Europe since the early 1990s, looking at the role played by EU initiatives and developments in public family-related leave spending.

Statutory framework

Outlines the current statutory family-related leave provisions in the 20 countries considered relating to:

  • maternity leave -- eligibility criteria, duration and compensation
  • paternity leave -- entitlement and duration
  • parental leave -- eligibility and guaranteed return to employment, age limits for children and adoption, breaking up and spreading leave, part-time work and flexibility, and sharing leave between parents
  • leave for urgent family reasons -- short- and long-term.

Collective bargaining arrangements

  • examines collective bargaining on family-related leave
  • details the extent, level and content of such bargaining.

Views of social partners

  • looks at the social partners' positions in this area.

Impact on gender equality

  • assesses the impact of family-related leave and its effect on gender equality, focusing on variations in the take-up of such leave among countries and between women and men, and the likely explanations for these variations.

Want to know more?

Title: Family-related Leave and Industrial Relations, European Industrial Relations Observatory.

Methodology: The comparative study was compiled on the basis of individual national reports submitted by EIRO's national centres. This study is based largely on the contributions of the European Industrial Relations Observatory national centres in 19 EU Member States (the "old" EU 15, plus Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia) and Norway.

Availability: Visit the EIROnline database which can be found at www.eiro.eurofound.eu.int

Take a look at the full comparative study which is available, free of charge, at www.eiro.eurofound.eu.int/2004/03/study/tn0403101s.html

The European Industrial Relations Observatory (EIRO) is a monitoring body offering news and analysis on European industrial relations. A project of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, EIRO began its operations in 1997. Its aim is to collect, analyse and disseminate high-quality and up-to-date information on key developments in industrial relations in Europe. To find out more visit www.eiro.eurofound.eu.int

Posted 20 December 2004