DPP Chair Lai Ching-te Pushes for Childcare Reforms: Maternity Leave to 12 Weeks, Parental Leave Age to 6

(CNA, Taipei, June 3rd, Reporter Wen Guixiang) Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chair Lai Ching-te stated at the Central Standing Committee meeting today that the Executive Yuan has submitted draft amendments to the 'Gender Equality in Employment Act' and the 'Employment Insurance Act' to the Legislative Yuan for review. The amendments include extending maternity leave from the current 8 weeks to 12 weeks, increasing paternity leave and accompanying prenatal check-up leave from the current 7 days to 14 days, and raising the age limit for parental leave from 3 to 6 years. He also requested the DPP caucus to assist the executive branch in communicating with opposition parties, hoping to complete the legislative process as soon as possible to create a more friendly workplace and childcare environment. The DPP held its Central Standing Committee in the afternoon. Party spokesperson Wu Zheng conveyed Chair Lai's remarks after the meeting. Lai stated that last Wednesday, the government announced to the public that it would promote 18 measures under the 'New Taiwan Population Strategy – Family Support Chapter'. Lai explained that to help workers balance family and work, achieving the goal of 'caring without leaving the job', the Executive Yuan passed the draft amendments to the 'Gender Equality in Employment Act' and the 'Employment Insurance Act' concerning the 'friendly workplace' aspect, one of the five major directions, and sent them to the Legislative Yuan. Lai pointed out that the key points of the amendment include: extending maternity leave from 8 to 12 weeks; extending paternity leave and accompanying prenatal check-up leave from 7 to 14 days. At the same time, 'infant care leave' will be revised to 'childcare leave', with the applicable age extended from 3 to 6 years; the current 30-day parental leave, which can be taken in single days, will be doubled to 60 days of childcare leave. Regarding the childcare leave subsidy, after both parents have each received the full 6-month subsidy, they can each apply for an additional 3 months, for a maximum of 9 months, receiving a subsidy of 80% of their salary, subsidized by the Ministry of Labor, allowing parents to fully accompany their children's growth. There is also a 200% tax incentive to encourage companies to invest in childcare support, making it more attractive for companies to retain and recruit talent, and allowing employees to work with peace of mind and raise children with confidence. Therefore, Lai requested the Legislative Yuan caucus to assist the executive team in communicating and coordinating with opposition party caucuses to complete the legislative process as soon as possible, and to vigorously promote these measures to build a more friendly workplace environment, allowing more families to benefit early. The government's goal, he said, is to create a more complete support system, allowing young people to see hope, reduce their burdens, and ensure every family can welcome the next generation with peace of mind. He called for continued efforts to build a more dynamic and competitive sustainable Taiwan. (Editor: Su Zhizong) 1150603