The decree-law on working mothers in Cuba has benefited 22,176 women during the first half of the year, according to official data released this Wednesday.
Officials of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS), cited by the agency Ephexplained at a press conference that the benefits “cannot be” less than “the current minimum wage of 2,100 Cuban pesos.”
This is covered by the decree-law on maternity and responsibility of families, approved in December last year, which includes workers in the private sector, as long as they pay their taxes, said the representative of the Ministry, Olgalidi Alapón.
The legislation establishes that pregnant women stop working at 34 weeks and receive 18 weeks of maternity leave, divided into six before delivery and 12 after.
Cuba: new regulations on the maternity of working women come into force
During this period, he receives financial aid when he proves his condition with a medical certificate. The regulations seek to stimulate fertility in the country, which has high levels of population aging, and extend protection to minor children, the authorities cited by the source indicated.
Cuba is one of the oldest countries in the region: 21.6% of the 11.1 million inhabitants are over 60 years old, according to official data.
The decree-law also covers family members left to care for the children in the event of the mother’s death.
It includes, among others, the right to enjoy social benefits, monetary benefits for medical certificates for pregnant women and mothers with sick children, in addition to complementary maternity leave.
Efe/OnCuba.
