These measures are part of an opinion the Order of Psychologists prepared on the changes planned in the government's draft law on labour legislation, and highlights five areas for which it presents "concrete proposals based on scientific evidence."

In a statement, the Order of Psychologists (OPP) argues that "some proposals represent a step backward compared to current legislation and do not take into account available scientific evidence or international recommendations."

Regarding pregnancy bereavement, for which the current government proposes eliminating the three-day justified absence period stipulated in the Labor Law (CLT), the Order proposes not only maintaining the possibility of absence but also increasing the period of absence to up to 20 days, "making it comparable to mourning the death of a child already born."

"The government's proposal devalues ​​the psychological impact of loss and exacerbates gender inequalities. Treating pregnancy loss as minor contradicts the evidence presented: its emotional and functional impact can be, at the very least, comparable to that of losing a child which has already been born," argues the OPP.

Parental leave

Regarding parental leave, and as a citizens' proposal already submitted to the National Assembly, it recommends a universal extension to six months, fully paid, without conditions.

The Order of Psychologists, on the other hand, considers the government's proposal regarding leave for breastfeeding or lactation to be "inadequate and contrary to scientific evidence and the recommendations of the WHO and UNICEF," and therefore advocates maintaining the current legislation, which requires a medical certificate only after the baby is 12 months old.

Flexible working

Regarding flexible working hours for workers with family responsibilities, it warns of the limitations the government intends to impose and how they can compromise work-life balance, increase psychosocial risks, and disproportionately affect women.

On this subject, it advocates maintaining the current wording of the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT), which guarantees flexibility for children up to 12 years of age or with disabilities/chronic illnesses.

"The OPP calls for labour reform to be centred on promoting the healthy development of children, gender equity, and the well-being of families," the organization states.

They also advocate for parents to benefit from reduced working hours until the child turns 5, partial and flexible parental leave, tax incentives for companies that promote work-life balance, and public literacy campaigns on parenting and mental health.

"The OPP reaffirms that legislating on labour is legislating on health, human development, and social justice. The draft bill, in its current form, puts these pillars at risk," he adds.