From May 1^st 2009, maternity benefits will become ?739.56, which is an increase of 5.5% of the amount, which was given until now by the Labor Organization. Women, who have the right for this maternity benefit are the ones, who have been working in firms, who have had a contract when they have gotten pregnant, and who have been paying their insurances in IKA-ETAM. During 2008, a total of 18 000 mothers have taken advantage of this benefit and the Labor Organization has paid ?72 million.

Meanwhile, the EU is preparing a new legislature regarding the maternity leave, which will take effect in all EU country members. The European Union will increase the minimum leave from 18 to 20 weeks, during which the mother will be able to be absent from work. A leave for the father will also be planned and also a co-maternity leave (in cases of two women couples). Those two leaves will be of two weeks and will be mandatory.

It is expected that the Euro-parliament will pass a law for the mandatory pay of a full salary from the employer for the first six weeks after giving birth and for the rest of the leave period, the employer should pay 85% of the total of the salary. The Euro parliament members have agreed with the European Commission that the law should include that the first six weeks after the birth of the child have to be given as a mandatory leave.

Also, it is expected that the Euro-parliament should vote on an additional maternity leave for special occasions connected to the health situation of the mother and the child during the afterbirth period.