Family Representatives of the States Want Revised Parental Leave Model

The budget deficit necessitates savings measures at the federal level, which should not be at the expense of families. This was demanded by the family representatives of the federal states at their conference on Friday in Salzburg. There must be no suspension of the valorization of benefits from the family equalization fund, emphasized Upper Austria's family representative, Deputy Governor Manfred Haimbuchner (FPÖ), at a press conference.

Change Parental Leave Model

The politicians agreed - the family representatives from Salzburg, Upper Austria, Vorarlberg, Carinthia, and Lower Austria participated - that the existing parental leave model needs to be revised. "A reform is urgently needed," said Salzburg's Deputy Governor Marlene Svazek (FPÖ) as the host of the conference. The revision is also necessary due to the abolition of educational leave. "The one-year parental leave model is the most economically attractive, which is why most choose it," Svazek explained. Since one year is very short for young parents, there has been a flight to educational leave. Therefore, she suggested revising the entire model. She is concerned with freedom of choice without economic pressure and a protected space for families. Part of the application decided by the family representatives also concerns strengthening paternity leave, said Svazek.

Regulation for Displaced Ukrainians

Salzburg also once again drew attention to a problem related to the regulation for family allowance and childcare allowance for displaced Ukrainians. In Salzburg, there is an increasing registration of Roma and Sinti extended families from western Ukraine. They come from areas not affected by the war and, due to the displaced Ukrainians regulation, immediately have the right to the corresponding benefits in Austria. The announcement by Family Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP), who participated in the conference, to evaluate the regulation is not enough for Svazek. "I believe the regulation must be suspended immediately," demanded the FPÖ politician. Many refugees from Ukraine are well integrated into the labor market, and other countries have since adjusted their regulations.

(APA/Red)

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