In 2024, fathers will have two weeks of paternity leave. This is their exclusive entitlement, separate from any entitlements the child's mother has.
When can you use it?
A father raising a child may exercise this special right for no longer than:
- the child reaches 12 months of age (in the case of birth) or
- 12 months have passed since the date on which the decision on the child’s adoption becomes final and no longer than until the child reaches the age of 14.
How can you take advantage of your vacation?
Paternity leave is granted at the employee's request (written or electronic), but the request should be submitted no later than 7 days before the start of the leave.
A parent taking leave may take it in a maximum of two installments. However, each installment cannot be shorter than one week. Therefore, it is possible to obtain leave of two weeks or two installments of one week each.
Employee protection
In connection with taking parental leave, the employee benefits from the protection of the employment relationship that characterizes the protection of a parent exercising their rights – that is, the employer generally cannot terminate the employee's employment contract, nor can it be terminated during this time. It is also important that the employer ensures the employee returns to work in the same or an equivalent position, with employment conditions no less favorable than those the employee would have had if the leave had not been taken.
Paternity leave allowance
The allowance paid during paternity leave amounts to 100% of the allowance calculation basis.
Does the employer have to grant the request?
Yes, according to the Labor Code, employers are obligated to grant requests for paternity leave. However, it's worth noting that this obligation only applies if the request is submitted no less than seven days before the planned start of the leave.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Legal status as of June 6, 2024
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