A Working Mother's Day Equals Two Working Days for Fathers
A working mother’s day can be long and tiresome. A recent study concluded that a woman who works full-time can perform tasks that are equivalent to two working days for fathers.
When comparing different types of jobs and salaries, people usually take into account the activities that are performed during the working day.
However, this can get complicated when it comes to a working mother’s day, which often includes the extra burden of housework.
Nowadays, mothers tend to balance work both inside and outside the home, taking on various tasks during the day. They’re also working women with full-time jobs.
Therefore, a mother’s work life seems to be endless. It starts early in the morning and ends late at night.
Although it’s a difficult issue to check and verify, a study conducted by the Workers Statute and the Organic Law 3/2007 in Spain, determined that a working mother’s day is equivalent to two working days for fathers.
What does this mean and in what context does it occur?
The rights of a working mother
Spanish legislation has been making certain advancements in terms of aid for mothers who take care of their children in addition to working.
1. Maternity leave
Maternity leave in Spain generally lasts up to 16 weeks after a child’s birth. The leave can be increased in the following cases:
- Two additional weeks for multiple births.
- Four additional weeks for triplets.
- Two additional weeks in the case of deliveries with children with disabilities or health problems.
Moreover, working mothers have to inform and justify their leave during their pregnancy. They are allowed to leave work freely in the following cases:
- Prenatal exams.
- Delivery preparation.
- Discomfort or diseases.
2. Reduction in working hours
Mothers have the chance to organize their working days as they see fit until their child reaches the age of 12. The reduction of hours, however, will also end up in the reduction of salary.
3. Unpaid leave
In cases where the mother has to personally take care of the baby, she is allowed a period of leave that cannot exceed three years. She will also be allowed to reserve her job and contribution to social security.
After the first year, the mother has the right to continue reserving the same professional level or an equivalent one. She has the right to reincorporate herself into the work place without any additional procedures.
4. Fired
It’s important to take into account the possibility of unemployment. There is a chance of the woman being dismissed.
In cases like this, the mother will receive unemployment benefits that will be extended by four months.
“A mother’s work life seems to be endless. It starts early in the morning and ends late at night.”
5. Breastfeeding and work
The mother will have the opportunity to spend one hour breastfeeding during the day without a salary reduction, during the first nine months of the baby’s life.
They can also reduce their work day by one hour.
Determining how much a mother’s work day is worth
An assessment made in 2015 in the United States ensured that mothers should receive a fair annual salary of $65,300 which is equivalent to two-and-a-half salaries of an average worker in the United Sates.
This way the average mother would make around $1,735 a week. They also took into consideration the cost of nursing, gardening and home decoration.
Aid for working mothers
For some time now, a working mother in Spain has received aid which amounts to 100 euros per month. It can be obtained in a one-time sum of 1,200 euros or in monthly payments.
This payment can be extended until the child reaches the age of three. This money is provided by social security contributions.
This money can be received even in the case of adoptions or fostering.
As we can see, a working mother’s day is full of multiple responsibilities, which divides them between their job and their family.
Fortunately, there have been cultural and legislative advances that recognize the intensity of their work days. However, there is still a lot more to do.