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“There are two great truths in
the universe: (1) the law of gravity, and (2) everybody loves Italian food.” --Neil Simon
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The Italian Constitution boldly protects mothers, children, and the young. It says that workplace conditions
must allow the working woman to fulfill her “essential family function.” The intent is to protect the working
mother and her baby before and after birth, as well as during periods of illness through the baby’s early childhood.
A pregnant employee is obliged
to leave her job two months before she is due and to stay away for three months afterwards. During that time, she is paid
80 percent of her salary. Following this five-month mandatory leave, a six-month optional maternity leave is available, at
30 percent of salary. After that, the mother becomes entitled to her vacation days, which are fully paid and count for another
month. At that point, after one year, she returns with her job intact.
Recent changes in the law
now allow for the six-month optional leave to be split between mother and father! During baby’s first year, for example,
daily periods of rest from work are available to either parent.
--chapter 14
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