José María Villalta presented a bill for the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) to grant a paternity leave after the birth of the baby. Initially, paternity leave would be for one month and maternity leave one month before delivery and three months after birth.
However, the initiative establishes two additional months that must be allocated by mutual agreement, therefore, it is possible for the father to enjoy up to three months of leave and the mother of four months. Or, the woman could get up to six months of this leave, while the man one month.
But, if not achieved, one month will still be granted to the father and another to the mother.
Another improvement of the project is that it grants a paid leave for five months when the worker is a single mother or father. The same rights will be obtained in case of adoption.
Since last March, President Carlos Alvarado gave a month for a commission to define this issue, but that license would be by Executive Decree and not by Law. It should be remembered that the latter is above these criteria of the Executive Power.
Villalta proposes, in this same initiative, to increase from 5.5% to 15% the tax rate on reinsurance paid abroad. With this approach, he assures that ¢18 billion would be deposited in the State coffers, with which such a license can be paid.
The Frente Amplio says that this seeks to promote co-responsibility in the care of children and also help fight discrimination against women in maternity.