"Be informed, know your choices" is the theme of an information campaign in the private sector carried out throughout December in five companies in Moldova by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) with the support of UNFPA and in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection (MLSP). As part of the same initiative, members of the Economic Council to the Prime-Minister gathered at the working group nr. 6 on the "Labor Market Development" to examine the legislative changes in the field of family-friendly workplace policies.

Over 200 employees of Bucuria S.A., Eximbank Moldova, Moldcell, Ionel, and Viorica-Cosmetic were informed in December about their rights in accordance with the new legislative provisions regarding family-friendly policies.

During the information sessions held at the premises of the companies by CCI, UNFPA, and MLSP experts, employees and employers learned about all choices available to them, including the opportunity for both mothers and fathers to share the childcare leave, the right to request a flexible work schedule, the possibility for fathers to take 15 days of paternity leave in the first year of the child's life, and for working mothers on maternity leave to get both their salary and maternity allowance.

The information sessions were also beneficial for employers, who gained a better understanding of how to create family-friendly spaces for their employees in the workplace.

These legal changes and opportunities for employers and employees were also discussed at the Economic Council to the Prime-Minister working group meeting, which took place on December 12.

  
Nigina Abaszada, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), addressed the participants in the opening of the event, emphasizing that family-friendly policies are essential to respond to rapid demographic changes and support families in having the desired number of children. "Implementing these policies in the workplace benefits both employers and employees. UNFPA, along with other UN agencies, Parliament, and Government, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and other partners, will continue to prioritize the needs of families, women, and men in achieving desired fertility and balancing work and personal life," said Nigina Abaszada.

Sergiu Harea, the President of CCI, noted that efforts to balance work and personal life are becoming increasingly important, which is why supporting employees in maintaining a healthy balance between family life and career is a priority for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"CCI will continue to collaborate with competent authorities and stakeholders to promote the adoption and implementation of a regulatory framework that supports family-friendly policies. We plan to advance with more activities, including certifying private companies that develop family-friendly workplaces," stated Sergiu Harea.

The event was attended by Member of Parliament Marina Morozova and the State Secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, Felicia Bechtoldt, who informed the private sector about new legislative changes allowing the implementation of alternative childcare services. They also reiterated the importance of family-friendly workplaces and urged employers to take up and implement initiatives to support employees with children.