ADPD calls for more parental leave and a four-day week debate

The Green Party has called for longer paid parental leave, more support for parents of sick children, and a "serious discussion" on a four-day working week. 

The proposals were presented on Sunday, Mother's Day, by ADPD chairperson Sandra Gauci and deputy chairperson Melissa Bagley, who are both contesting in the general election.

Over the years, Bagley said, many mothers had moved into professional and economic life while still being expected to carry most domestic responsibilities. Although working conditions had improved in recent years, she said more needed to be done to help parents balance work and family life.

Gauci said ADPD’s electoral manifesto included measures aimed at strengthening families and giving parents more time with their children.

She said parental leave should be increased to allow parents to care for their children during the most important stages of their lives. 

Currently, each parent is entitled to four months of parental leave per child, which can be used until the child turns eight years old. The party did not say how much the leave should be increased. 

Gauci said the leave should be allocated separately to each parent, and find a way to ensure that any unused leave from one parent cannot be transferred to the other.

"This proposal is aimed at both parents taking responsibility for childcare.  With this, everybody reaps the benefits, children and parents alike," she said.

Gauci added that parental leave should be extended for parents of young children who fall sick.

She called for a national discussion on a four-day working week, saying it could give workers more time for personal and family life.

The party also highlighted the gender wage gap, saying work contracts should be made public to help identify and address possible discrimination between men and women.

“Let us truly do everything possible to strengthen families and give them every opportunity to reach their goals and aspirations,” she said.