Controversial Labour Measures Under Scrutiny: Chega Alleges Attack on Women and Families, Demands Government Retreat
The Chega party, led by André Ventura, has expressed its opposition to the proposed reduction or limitation of gestational mourning days and breastfeeding leave in the draft labor law reform presented by the Portuguese Government.
Liliana Valente, the party's policy coordinator, has been vocal about their stance. Ventura declared that Chega "cannot accept changes to gestational mourning legislation," describing such changes as "an unnecessary cruelty that will bring no economic benefit." He also stated that they "cannot accept, and the Government should retract, the reduction of breastfeeding leave," which he considers a mistake especially given Portugal's demographic challenges.
The Chega party argues that limiting these rights would be detrimental to Portuguese mothers and would negatively impact the birth rate during a demographic decline. Ventura refuted government claims of breastfeeding leave fraud and firmly opposed any measures to curtail breastfeeding rights or gestational bereavement leave, emphasizing the importance of protecting mothers' rights and supporting family growth.
In summary, Chega rejects any reduction or limitation of gestational mourning (bereavement) days and any reduction of breastfeeding leave. They view these changes as harmful and unjustified given demographic concerns and dismiss allegations of abuse/fraud related to breastfeeding leave.
No specific alternative proposals by Chega regarding these leaves were described, but they indicated willingness to collaborate on other labor law issues provided these "red lines" are respected.
Additionally, Ventura warned that his party will block the end of gestational mourning days and changes to breastfeeding leave if the Government's draft bill is not altered. The Chega party has also requested a "joint delegation" with Montenegro to deal with the law related to gestational mourning days and breastfeeding leave.
- The Chega party, in opposition to the government's proposed labor law reform, has emphasized the importance of preserving women's health, specifically with regards to gestational mourning days and breastfeeding leave.
- With Portugal facing demographic challenges, Chega argues that limiting these rights would be detrimental to family health and women's health, potentially impacting the birth rate negatively.
- Christened as a 'red line' by Chega, they reject any reduction or limitation of gestational mourning days and breastfeeding leave, viewing these changes as harmful and unwarranted.
- Ventura, the party's leader, has threatened to block any changes to gestational mourning days and breastfeeding leave if the Government's draft bill is not altered, and has proposed a joint delegation with Montenegro to address these issues.
