In 1992, the "Child Care Leave Law" was enacted, and in 1995, it was reforms to include the family care leave as well. The current law allows up to 1 year of care leave for parents who are raising a child less than 1 year old, with a 40% of wage provided from the Employment Insurance. However, only 56.4% of women and 0.42% of men took the child care leave in 1999.
Reasons for not taking the childcare leave are (1) unwelcome atmosphere at the workplace, and (2) economic hardship. The situation is especially bad for men. Even for women, employees often show disapproval when she takes a child care leave, especially for the second and third child. Even when the employer is understanding, the workload is often too much for working mothers to continue work.
The reform is expected to strengthen what is already said in the "Child Care Family Care Leave Law" and lessen the pressure off the working mothers.
Working mothers and fathers
- The current law prohibits employers to fire employees for the reasons of taking or wanting child care leave, but the reform expand the prohibition further to include "all unfair treatments".
- Restriction on the "after-hours" labour. Those with children less than 6 years old have a right to refuse more than 24 hours/month (or 150 hours/year) of over-time work.
- Shortening of the working hours. Currently, employers have to provide a shortening of working hours or flex schedule for those with a child less than 1 year old. The reform extends the age limit of the child to three years old.
So far, the major obstacle for the working-mothers is not the "regulation", but the "eyes" and "feelings" of employers and other employees. So even though the law was implemented for some time now, the working conditions for mothers has not improved much. People must change their attitudes completely in order for the reform to take its effect.
Easier working conditions for working parents
Not yet passed the Diet
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Not any, yet.
Like stated above, people must change their attitudes in order for the current law or the reform to take effect. However, such a movement sends a signal to employers that they have to face the reality of having working mothers, and in this respect, I hope this reform will go through.
