Spain: For the first time, a European country is considering legislating a “leave of absence”

This decision would be a first for Europe: in Spainthe left-wing government is considering legislating a “Menstrual leave” for women suffering from dysmenorrheaHowever, this initiative is met with resistance not only from members of the government but also from the unions.

The measure could be included in a bill on abortion and reproductive rights, which is expected to be approved by the cabinet on Tuesday.

“We will recognize through the law the right of women who have particularly painful menstruation to get a special (work) leave which will be covered by the state from the first day”said on Twitter the Minister of Equality Irene Montero, one of the leaders of the party of the radical left Podemos, the partner of the Socialists in the government of Pedro Sanchez.

It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post. According to Spanish media that saw a draft of the bill, drafted by the Ministry of Equality, this leave will be three days, with the possibility of extension for another two days in case the woman has severe symptoms. A doctor’s certificate will also be required.

“There are women who can not work and live normally for many days each month because they really suffer a lot”, Moreno said this week. “We need to clarify what painful menstruation is: we are not talking about a slight malaise but about serious symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, severe headache “recently stated the Deputy Minister of Equality, also a member of Podemos, Angela Rodriguez.

Some countries, especially in Asia, have introduced in their legislation in recent years the right of women to receive a “menstrual leave”but no European country has yet taken such a measure. In France, few companies allow women workers to be out of work these daysbut the “leave of absence” is not covered by law, nor by collective agreements.

In Spain, the debate has intensified as the left wing of the government may be pushing for the measure, but some Socialist ministers are wary of its high cost. Some also say that it would be “counterproductive” and would “stigmatize” women while men may be favored when hired.

The Minister of Economy, the Socialist Nadia Calvinio, also appeared cautious. “We are working on many versions of this law,” he said, warning that “this government will never adopt a measure that would stigmatize women.”

The issue is also of great concern to the unions. “We have to be careful with such decisions,” said today the deputy general secretary of UGT, one of the two largest unions, Christina Antonianthas. He even expressed Concerned about the possible “indirect implications” of this leave “on women’s access to the labor market”. Ana Ferrer, an executive of the Association of Patients with Endometriosis, also spoke about the possibility of “discrimination” against women.