Swiss fathers to get two weeks paid paternity leaveSeptember 12, 2019 - 16:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Swiss parliament on Wednesday, September 11 backed a proposal that will see fathers in the country get two weeks of paid paternity leave, The Local Switzerland reports. Fathers will be able to use that leave any time in the first six months after their child is born. The vote in the lower house of the Swiss parliament marks a sea change for Switzerland, which currently has no statutory paternity leave, although many fathers can take a “family day” on the birth of their child. The move, which was backed by all parties except the conservative Swiss People’s Party (SVP), is expected to cost around 229 million Swiss francs (€209.5 million) with employers and employees sharing the extra costs. Wednesday’s vote in favour of paternity leave comes after years of debate in the Swiss parliament on the issue. It also represents a compromise position by the parliament in the face of a popular initiative calling for fathers to be given four weeks' leave. On Wednesday it was not clear if that popular initiative would still go before voters at a referendum. The new paternity leave arrangements will now come into force if voters reject the four-week proposal at a possible referendum or if the referendum’s backers decide not to push ahead with the vote in the wake of the parliament’s decision to green light two weeks' leave. Mothers in Switzerland receive 14 weeks' leave at 80 percent pay up to a maximum of 196 francs a day. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |