A Mother’s Working Day Is Equal To 2 Working Days For The Father

When comparing different types of jobs and salaries,  people usually take into account the activities performed during a working day. 

However, this can get complicated when it comes to a mother’s work day, which often includes extra burdens with household chores.

Nowadays, mothers have to balance work both inside and outside the home, and take on several tasks throughout the day. They are also working women with full-time jobs.

Therefore,  a mother’s working day seems endless. The day starts early in the morning and ends late in the evening.

Although it is a difficult subject to check and verify, a study conducted by Workers Statute and Organic Law 3/2007 in Spain concluded that  a mother’s working day is equal to two working days for fathers. 

What does it mean, and in what context did it take place?

The rights of a working mother

Spanish law has made some progress in helping mothers who take care of their children alongside work.

1.  Maternity leave

Maternity leave in Spain lasts up to 16 weeks after the child is born. This leave may be increased in the following cases:

• Two more weeks for more newborns.
• Four more weeks for triplets.
• Two additional weeks in case of births of children with difficulties or health problems.

Furthermore,  working mothers need to inform and justify their leave during their pregnancy. They can leave work freely in the following cases:

• Prenatal examinations.
• Birth preparation.
• Discomfort or illness.

2. Reduction of working hours

Mothers have the option of organizing their work days as they see fit until their child reaches the age of 12. The reduction in the number of hours, however, will also end up with a reduction in pay.

3.  Unpaid leave

In cases where the mother has to take care of her baby herself,  it is allowed to take leave for a period not exceeding 3 years. She will also have the opportunity to reserve her job, and have the opportunity to get social security.

After the first year, the mother has the right to  continue reserving the same professional level or an equivalent level. She has the right to re-incorporate herself into the workplace, without any additional procedures.

4 . Firing

It is important to take into account the possibility of unemployment. There is a risk that the woman will be fired.

In cases like these,  the mother will receive unemployment benefits, which will be extended by 4 months. 

“A mother’s work day seems to be endless. It starts early in the morning and ends late in the evening. ”

5.  Breastfeeding and work

Morning has the opportunity to spend an hour breastfeeding during the day, without being deducted from pay, through the first 9 months of the baby’s life. 

They can also reduce her working day by 1 hour.

Determining how much a mom’s work day is worth

An evaluation conducted in 2015 in the United States guaranteed that women should receive a fair, annual salary of $65,300,  which is equivalent to 2.5 wages of an average wage in the United States.

That way,  the average mom would earn about $1,735 a week. They also took into account the costs of childcare, gardening and home decorations.

Help for working mothers

For some time now,  working mothers in Spain have been receiving assistance, amounting to 100 euros a month. It can be obtained as a lump sum of € 1,200, or in monthly payments.

This payment can be extended until the child reaches the age of three. This money is provided by social security contributions.

The money can even be received in case of adoption or care. 

As we can see, a mother’s work day is filled with several duties that divide them between their job and their family.

Fortunately, there have been cultural and legislative advances that recognize the intensity of their working days. However, there is still much that can be done yet.