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Pregnant women’s voices heard?

Social


Pregnant women gathered near the government building today with signs reading "No to the RA law "On Temporary Incapacity to Work" and "Why are you making mothers in demand leave Armenia?", as well as photos of small children.

They demand the reinstatement of provisions in the law existing until December 1 through changes.

The current version of the law lays down that each worker and a person who has been temporarily recognized as incapable to work due to pregnancy, illness and care for an ill family member receiving a salary five times higher than the minimum RA salary will receive a 150,000 dram compensation equivalent to that salary and starting January 1, they will receive 162,500 drams instead of receiving compensation adequate to the previous salary.

"We have gathered near the government building so that the changes in the law on the incapability to work are considered invalid," said demonstrator Diana Hovhannisyan.

Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Artur Grigoryan met with the action participants today. He informed that the government is planning to discuss with departments and make changes in the law.

But pregnant women are not too optimistic. "Words are not enough. What matters is the kind of changes," said Tatevik Davtyan.

According to the minister, the government is ready to compensate only that amount.

Many say the changes in the law will lead women with high salaries to leave the country sooner or later.

A public discussion will be held soon and pregnant women will have the chance to express their views.

Government session

Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan said the following regarding the issue:

"The minister has been assigned and the government is currently working with the corresponding NA committee. There is a new draft law and it is necessary to discuss that draft law with all interested parties and if necessary, we will undertake a legislative initiative and make corrections in the law with the purpose of creating an environment that promotes birth in Armenia."