Topic: parental leave

Caymanian mum Bethany Ebanks-Pacheco says the planned Labour law to increase parental leave though welcomed, still falls short of real progress when it comes to giving mothers the time they need after delivery.

Cabinet has approved drafting instructions to make long-awaited changes to Cayman's Labour Act to enhance private-sector employee benefits – from increasing parental leave to improving vacation and overtime pay entitlements.

Government is giving its own staff increased parental leave benefits, while overlooking pleas from pressure groups to legislate the same kind of benefits for the private sector.

While Caymanian mom Bethany Ebanks-Pacheco welcomed news that civil servants will benefit from increased parental leave, she says government missed a chance to announce similar benefits for the private sector.

Civil servants will soon benefit from increased parental leave and additional financial support from government, however there has been no word on whether local legislation will be updated so similar benefits can be applied to the private sector.

The push to increase local parental leave appears to have received a second wind as campaigners recently met with Labour Minister Dwayne Seymour in a bid to get the ball rolling again on the issue.

Scotiabank's recent increase in its parental leave for employees has been welcomed by the Parental Entitlements Working Group as it calls on government and the private sector to follow suit.