Nvard Piliposyan, lawyer for the Women’s Resource Center Armenia (WRCA), commented on a recent statement on maternity benefit.
According to the statement, pregnant women receiving monthly salaries within AMD1m are to receive 100% maternity benefits, whereas women receiving monthly salaries exceeding AMD 1m will receive maternity benefits from their employers. The relevant bill envisages maternity benefits for unemployed pregnant women.
“Since bill has not yet been amended, I cannot say for certain. However, if such amendments are made, I can say the struggle has produced results. But we will continue our struggle because we have numerous problems. The rights of highly-paid women are violated. Employers will not be interested in employing women and will employ men to avoid extra expenses,” Ms Piliposyan said.
Tatevik Davtyan of a civil group for fair maternity leave told Tert.am that they group will state its position after examining the bill.
“We demand that all the working women receive their maternity benefits one hundred percent, without any highest limit. It is not clear if the AMD 1m monthly salary is the net income or the gross income. We say this is a violation of women’s rights and discrimination against highly-paid women. If such a bill is adopted, all the highly-paid women will become undesirable employees as financial burden for employers,” Ms Davtyan said.
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