The Ministry of Defence has begun modifying its work-life balance regulations to incorporate the new measures recently introduced in the Basic Statute for Public Employees by Royal Decree-Law 5/2023 of 28 June, with the aim of further improving the work-life balance of women and men in the Armed Forces and promoting the principle of co-responsibility.

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Military personnel

In order for the new reconciliation measures to be immediately applicable to military personnel, so that they can enjoy the same rights as civilian personnel in the General State Administration without delay, criteria have been drawn up and disseminated to allow military personnel to take advantage of the new leave while the legislation is being processed.

Among the new measures is the extension of leave for accident or serious illness to all those living with a spouse, eliminating the distinction that has existed until now in terms of the number of days of leave depending on the place of residence.

The right to reduced working hours to care for a sick child with cancer has also been extended, and this right may be extended from 23 to 26 years of age in cases of disability equal to or greater than 65%.

Marriage leave is extended to cases of formalisation of unmarried couples, allowing these couples to also enjoy the 15 days of leave.

Furthermore, with the aim of guaranteeing real and effective equality for “trans people” in terms of reconciliation, their rights are equal to those of the “biological mother” and “pregnant military personnel”.

In the same line of favouring family reconciliation, the new parental leave of 8 weeks is included for the care of a son, daughter or foster child under 8 years of age, whose application will be carried out for military personnel in the same terms as those applicable to civilian personnel of the General State Administration.

In addition to the above, on 5 July the Ministry of Defence issued a criterion that favours the labour integration of military personnel who are nearing the end of their commitment, allowing such personnel to be exempted from performing twenty-four hour shifts and services until they have completed two full academic years.

With this, the Ministry of Defence fulfils its commitment to keep its work-life balance regulations permanently updated, in terms of equalising rights with civilian personnel in the National Government.