The definitive approval of amendments to the family law brings new protections for parents, caregivers, unemployed women and female students. This was highlighted by the Unione Sammarinese dei Lavoratori (USL, San Marino Workers’ Union), which expressed satisfaction after today’s second-reading approval by the Grand and General Council (Consiglio Grande e Generale).
“A measure that brings new protections for those who belong to the so-called working-age bracket but who care for dependents is finally becoming law,” reads the union’s statement.
USL recalls that it had long called for greater protections for mothers, fathers, children and grandchildren involved in caring for children, parents or grandparents. “The fact that the dimension of care has been placed back at the centre is no small thing,” the union stresses.
According to USL, further proof of how eagerly the measure was awaited came in the form of a letter sent on 5 August by 55 mothers, who called for the approval of amendments to Law 129 of 2022. The union explains that it met with the signatories and pledges to continue gathering their requests to bring them to the attention of institutions.
Secretary of State Stefano Canti also addressed the issue during the preparatory day ahead of USL’s fifth congress, scheduled for 23–25 September. “He committed to keeping close attention on an issue that is certainly not exhausted by this one measure,” the statement reports.
For USL Secretary General Francesca Busignani, the law represents a step forward, but the birth-rate issue requires broader intervention. “To ensure that those who wish to have a child actually decide to do so,” said USL Secretary General Francesca Busignani, “attention clearly also needs to be focused on the quality of women’s participation in the labour market, improving the quality of female employment, access conditions, career growth and job retention.”
Among the new provisions, USL highlights in particular paid leave hours to be absent from work for children’s medical appointments and the option to extend sick leave benefits to a parent when a child is ill or hospitalised.
“Many more steps forward are needed, but it is undeniable that the protections introduced are very significant. Finally, among other things, paid hours are now provided for taking time off work for a child’s medical appointments, and the possibility of extending sick leave benefits to a parent in the event of a child’s illness or hospitalisation has been introduced,” says Busignani.
The union also highlights the expansion of caregivers’ rights and the extension of maternity-related protections to unemployed women and female students as well.
“Falling birth rates are therefore not inevitable, and when people work together, making dialogue productive, it is possible to try to reverse the trend of this demographic winter,” the statement continues.
USL notes that during the discussions it had called for more decisive action on certain aspects, but still views the final outcome positively: “USL had asked for bolder steps on certain measures, but is pleased that the process concluded with expanded protections.”
The union concludes by offering “praise for good politics” and making itself available to anyone interested in obtaining information on the new provisions of the law.
