Neuchâtel puts pressure on Bern for parental leave
Published: Tuesday, Nov 5th 2024, 11:40
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On Tuesday, the Grand Council of the canton of Neuchâtel adopted a draft decree calling on the Federal Assembly to introduce federal parental leave. The cantonal parliament approved the text with 83 votes in favor, 10 against and 2 abstentions.
"Parental leave contributes to the development of the family and makes it possible to reconcile work and family life. It allows for a more flexible return to work and better integration or reintegration of women into working life," said State Councillor and Social Affairs Director Florence Nater (SP).
Some MPs called for parental leave to be introduced as quickly as possible, either at federal level or, if this is not possible, for a legal basis for cantonal leave to be drawn up. The middle-class MPs were against parental leave in Neuchâtel as it would be too administratively and economically costly.
Similar initiatives in other cantons
As a compromise solution, the text only calls for the introduction of federal leave. The cantons of Geneva, Valais and Jura have also submitted a state initiative to the Federal Assembly along these lines. The canton of Geneva is calling for the cantons to be free to introduce parental leave at cantonal level, while the cantons of Valais and Jura are seeking the introduction of federal parental leave.
The Fribourg Grand Council will shortly be voting on two motions on this issue. The State Council is against the cantonal solution.
The people of Geneva approved a Green Liberal initiative on parental leave, but the revision has been suspended because the proposed funding arrangements are not compatible with federal law.
At the beginning of May, the Thurgau parliament rejected a state initiative for parental leave of at least 20 weeks at federal level. The canton of Bern rejected an initiative for parental leave of 24 weeks.
©Keystone/SDA
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