Poland: recent changes in labour law extend maternity leave and introduce parental leave

On 17 June 2013 the law changing Labour Code (and a few other laws) entered into force; the law was adopted by the Parliament on 28 May 2013.  The main goal of the introduced changes is to guarantee parents a year-long paid leave (a combination of maternity leave, additional maternity leave, paid leave governed by the rules for maternity leave and parental leave) related to birth of their child (or period longer than a year in case of multiple birth). It also facilitates sharing additional maternity leave and newly introduced parental leave between the two parents. (Ref. 130427)
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According to the new regulation basic maternity leave still totals at 20 weeks, out of which 14 are still reserved only for mother. Up to maximum 6 weeks of maternity leave can be used before the planned delivery date. Additional maternity leave totals at 6 weeks (instead of 4) in case of single birth, and up to 8 weeks in case of multiple birth. This additional “maternity” leave can be taken by the fathers.


One-year paid leave. In addition to this 26-weeks “maternity” leave, the law stipulates

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