Social democrats demand shared parental leave
The opposition Social Democrats have proposed changes to parental leave in a bid to improve equality. The party proposed the increase of individual quotas and in the longer term wants to see the insurance divided equally between the mother and the father.
The move was welcomed by their opposition partners, the Left party and the Green party, who have long been advocates of "individualized" parental leave.
Swedish parents currently share 13 months of parental leave. Two of these months are reserved for the mother, two for the father and the remaining nine can be disposed as the two parents see fit.
The Social Democrats now want to limit parents freedom to transfer parental leave days to one another in a first stage to their proposal.
"We have been known the world over for a family policy with a clear equal opportunities profile. But it is time for an upgrade," said Ylva Johansson of the Social Democrats to Svenska Dagbladet.
Johansson, together with Swedish metalworker's union leader, Stefan Löfvén, leads the party's counsel for the development of its future welfare policy.
As late as 2005 the Social Democrat party congress rejected calls for more earmarked months.
Opposition partners, the Green and Left parties, have welcomed the declaration from the Social Democrats.
"A positive message and a step in the right direction, even if they have not fully supported a completely shared parental leave. But if feels like they are on the right track," said Left party leader Lars Ohly to news agency TT.
Comments
See Also
The move was welcomed by their opposition partners, the Left party and the Green party, who have long been advocates of "individualized" parental leave.
Swedish parents currently share 13 months of parental leave. Two of these months are reserved for the mother, two for the father and the remaining nine can be disposed as the two parents see fit.
The Social Democrats now want to limit parents freedom to transfer parental leave days to one another in a first stage to their proposal.
"We have been known the world over for a family policy with a clear equal opportunities profile. But it is time for an upgrade," said Ylva Johansson of the Social Democrats to Svenska Dagbladet.
Johansson, together with Swedish metalworker's union leader, Stefan Löfvén, leads the party's counsel for the development of its future welfare policy.
As late as 2005 the Social Democrat party congress rejected calls for more earmarked months.
Opposition partners, the Green and Left parties, have welcomed the declaration from the Social Democrats.
"A positive message and a step in the right direction, even if they have not fully supported a completely shared parental leave. But if feels like they are on the right track," said Left party leader Lars Ohly to news agency TT.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.