Law

The regulation of work-life balance in the case of maternity/paternity in Spain has evolved significantly in recent decades. Currently, the key aspects of this regulation include a 16-week birth-related leave for the biological mother, of which 6 weeks are mandatory after delivery.

Since 2021, paternity leave has been equal to maternity leave, with 16 weeks, of which six are required immediately after birth. It also includes the possibility of a leave of absence for childcare of up to 3 years, with a reservation of the job during the first year, the chance of reducing the working day for the care of children under 12 years of age, and the right to One hour of absence from work (divisible into two fractions) until the baby is 9 months old. It was not always like this.

During the initial stages of industrialization and well into the 20th century, birth-related rights were practically non-existent or very limited. In the era of industrialization (late 19th - early 20th century), there was no paid maternity leave; women often worked until the day of delivery and returned to work shortly after. There was no protection against dismissal due to pregnancy or maternity, and working conditions were unhealthy and dangerous for pregnant women. The first regulations date back to the beginning of the 20th century. In 1900, the first law was passed prohibiting women from working for three weeks after giving birth. In 1907, the right to one hour of breastfeeding during the working day was established. The Law of 13 March 1900 prohibited the work of women and children under 10 years of age in factories, workshops, and mines. During the Second Republic (1931-1936), compulsory maternity insurance was introduced, and dismissal due to marriage or pregnancy was prohibited. During the Franco regime (1939-1975), in 1944, a compulsory six-week leave was established before and after childbirth. However, women were encouraged to leave work when getting married or having children. In the transition to democracy, the 1978 Constitution established equality before the law without discrimination based on sex. In 1980, the Workers’ Statute introduced 14 weeks’ maternity leave.

On the other hand, historically, some banks, such as Banco Guipuzcoano, issued savings cards for newborns as a customer loyalty strategy. This practice linked the birth of a child with family financial planning. The cards usually included an initial deposit as a gift from the bank and encouraged long-term savings for the child’s future expenses. They also created an early bond between the family and the bank. This practice reflected a traditional view of family planning, where saving for the children’s future was a priority. However, with changes in work-life balance and gender roles, these banking strategies have evolved into more diversified financial products that are less focused on traditional gender roles.