In the summer, the government parties submitted a proposal for changes aimed at implementing the EU directive on work-life balance for parents and caregivers. Among other things, this is intended to lead to a fairer distribution of childcare responsibilities within partnerships.
In Austria, employees are generally entitled to statutory parental leave until the child's second birthday. However, due to the proposed amendment, this entitlement will only be in full for 24 months if each parent takes at least two months of parental leave. If only one parent takes parental leave, the amendment to the Maternity Protection Act (MSchG) and the Paternity Leave Act (VKG) will result in a reduction of the leave period to 22 months. Single parents are exempt from this change.
The employment law team at KWR is happy to assist you with any questions you may have regarding parental leave.