For the first time on this scale in France, a federation bringing together several very frequent professions will introduce miscarriage leave. A decision that could be emulated.
This is the first time that this system has been implemented on this scale in France. All the companies that make up Syntec, the federation that brings together the professions of engineering, digital, consulting, events and professional training will be given a two-day leave in the event of spontaneous termination of pregnancy before the 22nd week. This proposal is based on an observation: in France, one in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage. An event which, as indicated by Syntec in its agreement “can have both physical and psychological consequences.”
Concretely, women who are faced with a miscarriage and who are employed by a Syntec member company will be able to benefit from an exceptional two-day leave of absence. This will not be deductible from leave, and will not lead to a reduction in salary. A medical certificate will simply be requested within 15 days of discharge. The agreement goes even further. Spouses may also benefit from similar leave, provided they are PACS or married, and are also employees of one of the Syntec companies.
This decision by the federation should be effective in the course of 2023. If it is mainly oriented towards the moral well-being of employees, this progress could also help this professional branch to become more feminized. Indeed, with only 34% of women, the professions represented by Syntec see miscarriage leave as “a way to attract more female profiles.”
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The miscarriage leave is already well established
If in France the question of leave in the event of spontaneous termination of pregnancy is debated, several countries have already taken the plunge. This is the case, for example, of New Zealand., which has introduced it since 2021 across the country. This lasts for three days and can also be applied in the event of the birth of a stillborn child for both spouses.
The French executive for its part has positioned itself against this leave for reasons of privacy. The former Secretary of State in charge of Children and the Family, Adrien Taquet recalled on the issue that “if you institute miscarriage leave, the employer will know the reason for this stoppage.” He then encouraged to continue with the sick leave system that currently works. In France, more than one in ten women will suffer a miscarriage in her lifetime.