Parliament unanimously approved an amendment to the Protection of Maternity Law, extending from nine to twelve months the period during which working mothers can take a daily one-hour break for breastfeeding or childcare.
The amendment, proposed by Democratic Rally MP Savia Orphanidou, allows mothers to start work later, leave earlier, or take a break during working hours. The 12-month period begins either from birth or, in adoption cases, from the start of maternity leave.
The Labor Ministry initially requested evaluation by the Labour Advisory Body before giving its support. Trade unions PEO and PASYDY backed the change, as did employer organisations OEB, POP and POPO.
The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE) opposed the amendment, arguing the existing nine-month provision meets European standards and that extending the arrangement could affect productivity, particularly for small businesses.
All political parties supported the amendment during the plenary session, praising Orphanidou’s initiative while noting more work remains to address demographic challenges.
Orphanidou called the three-month extension “very important for new mothers” and urged the government to introduce legislation extending maternity leave to 26 weeks from the first child.
Read more:
