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Change Aligns Brazil with International Standards and Guarantees 30 Days of Stability for Workers After Returning
The new labor law that extends the paternity leave from 5 to 15 days was approved urgently by the Chamber of Deputies and is expected to be voted on in the plenary in the coming weeks. The proposal amends the CLT, corrects a lag of 37 years, and brings Brazil closer to the practices adopted in developed countries.
With the change, parents of newborns or adoptive parents will be able to request paid leave of 15 consecutive days, without salary loss or risk of dismissal. Brazil will offer one of the most robust benefits in Latin America in this aspect, according to a survey by the ILO. Additionally, the project guarantees 30 days of stability after returning to work, reinforcing legal protection for active fatherhood.
What Is the New Labor Law for Paternity Leave in Brazil?
The new proposal changes the wording of the CLT, establishing that the paternity leave will last 15 consecutive days from the birth or adoption of a child. The benefit can be requested simply by delivering the birth certificate to the employer.
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In addition to the extended period, the text prohibits dismissals without just cause during the leave period and for 30 days following its end. Another important point is that if the birth occurs during vacation, the leave count will start on the first business day after returning. If the request is made during vacation and there are fewer than 15 days remaining, the rest period will be automatically extended.
How Does Brazil Compare to the Rest of the World?
With the new rule, Brazil ceases to be among the countries with the shortest paternity leaves, as revealed in a study by the ILO with data from 185 nations. Until now, the country offered only 5 days — half of the global average, which is 9 days. Even with the increase, Brazil remains among the 81 countries that guarantee 100% wage compensation during leave, which sets it apart positively.
Here are comparisons with other nations:
- France: 25 days, with full pay up to a monthly cap of € 3,864.
- Italy: 10 mandatory days with full salary, plus the possibility of parental leave of up to 11 months.
- Germany and Japan: adopt parental leave, which is not specific to fathers, with partial salary coverage.
- United Kingdom: 14 days, with fixed payment or 90% of weekly earnings — whichever is lower.
- United States and Canada: do not offer national paid paternity leave. They use shared parental models with partial payment.
- China: standard of 15 days in most provinces, with full pay.
With the change, Brazil aligns itself with countries like China and the United Kingdom, even surpassing them in guaranteeing full salary during the leave.
What Is the Practical Impact for Workers?
In addition to extending the time spent with the newborn, the new law encourages active participation of parents in childcare and initial bonding with their children. According to labor relations specialists, the measure could have a positive impact on family health, child development, and even on worker productivity in the long term.
The text also benefits adoptive parents, who will have the same rights, regardless of the child’s age. This corrects a historical gap and expands the legal coverage for different family arrangements.
Do you think 15 days is still too little for parents? In your opinion, should Brazil follow models like the French or German ones? Leave your comment and share your experience — your insights help enrich this debate.
A iniciativa privada deveria ter direitos iguais aos funcionário públicos!,… lembrando que quem paga a conta da máquina pública são os empresários e os CLTs,…
E os impactos para as empresas?,…
E os impactos para o comercial?
Não existe almoço grátis!,….
O certo é o governo bancar esse benefício ao invés de bancar drogados,..
Acho que ao invés de pensarem só nisso deveriam pensar tbm que a mãe tem 4 meses pra ficar com o bebê por isso e muito pouco para a mãe desmamar a criança e voltar a trabalhar , nos tempos de hoje agente mulher e obrigada a ajudar o marido com as despesas da casa.
Nada justifica esse paternalismo. Deveriam primeiro se preocupar em desenvolver o País. Os países citados são todos altamente desenvolvidos. Quando atingirmos um nível de desenvolvimento igual a esses países, aí sim, se poderá pensar em tais concessões. Primeiro devemos atingir um nível de desenvolvimento econômico que permita que nossa economia, como um todo, suporte esses benefícios.
Com certeza você não tem filho, ou se tem, não corresponde com responsabilidade nenhuma sobre ele.