Protection during maternity leave

An employee is entitled to maternity leave of not less than eighteen weeks, of which at least six weeks shall be taken after childbirth. The period of leave counts as service for the purpose of seniority, leave accrual, and notice periods.

Termination of employment during pregnancy, during maternity leave, and for four months following the return to work is void unless it results from the closure of the undertaking or from a serious breach established in a documented disciplinary procedure.

On return from maternity leave the employee is entitled to resume the same position, or an equivalent position at no lower wage, and to benefit from any pay increase granted during the period of absence.