Spain has formally deposited the ratification of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 183 on Maternity Protection at the organisation’s headquarters in Geneva, reinforcing its commitment to advancing labour rights and work-life balance policies.

During the ceremony, Spain’s Second Vice President and Minister of Labour and Social Economy, Yolanda Díaz, highlighted that the ratification reflects the importance of supporting work-life balance for parents and caregivers. She recalled that Spain has extended birth and childcare leave to 19 weeks for both the biological mother and the second parent.

In the case of single-parent families, leave has been extended to 32 weeks, exceeding the minimum standards set out in Convention 183, which was adopted in 2000. According to the minister, this extension represents a significant step forward in recognising care time as a fundamental labour right.

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Spain strengthens maternity protection by ratifying a key ILO convention

These measures also promote greater shared responsibility within society and align with Spain’s commitment to ensuring equality in labour rights, protecting diverse family structures and safeguarding children’s rights regardless of the family environment in which they grow up.

Spain has ratified 140 ILO conventions to date and is currently in the process of ratifying Convention No. 191 on a Safe and Healthy Working Environment, adopted in 2023, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve working conditions both nationally and globally.

During her visit to the ILO, the minister also held several bilateral meetings, including talks with the Deputy Director of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Office in Geneva, Maité Llanos, and with ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo, focusing on progress towards a future convention on platform economy work and the ILO’s role in promoting the social economy within the United Nations framework.