Pia promises longer maternity leave

Minister of the Public Service Pia Glover-Rolle says maternity leave would increase from 12 to 14 weeks, giving new mothers more time to recover and bond with their babies.

Fathers, who are often left out of the equation, would for the first time receive two weeks of paid paternity leave. The Progressive Liberal Party’s Blueprint for Progress also introduces a legal right to adoption leave, extending support to families growing in different ways.

But the changes go beyond parenting. Glover-Rolle is also pushing to guarantee every worker a paid one-hour break during shifts of eight hours or more, along with a minimum of eight hours of rest between shifts. These measures are designed to combat fatigue and improve overall well-being.

Just as significant is the focus on mental health, an issue gaining increasing attention in workplaces worldwide.

“We will recognize mental health as a workplace right by providing three mental wellness days each year, with no doctor’s note required,” she said.