Maternity and Work

Maternity Leave

What is the relevant legislation on maternity leave?

The Decent Work Act of Liberia is the primary legislation governing maternity leave entitlements for female employees.

What is the general duration of maternity leave (ante-natal and post-natal)? What is the duration of compulsory maternity leave?

Under the Decent Work Act, a female employee is entitled to at least 14 weeks of paid maternity leave; at least 6 of which must be taken after childbirth. The prenatal leave is extended if the baby is born after the anticipated date, however the compulsory post-natal leave (six weeks) stays the same.

Is extension allowed for multiple births or in the case of ill health or for other reasons?

The employee may be eligible for up to one month of extended unpaid maternity leave, which can be taken either just before or right after her usual maternity leave, provided a doctor certifies that pregnancy or delivery problems necessitate more time for recuperation. Before starting this leave, the employee must give her employer a medical certificate attesting to the real birth date and the anticipated due date.

Sources: §20.1, 20.2, 20.5 of the Decent Work Act, 2015

Income

What is the relevant legislation on income during maternity leave?

The relevant legislation is the Decent Work Act of Liberia.

For how long is compensation paid during maternity leave?

During maternity leave, employed women are entitled to full remuneration (100% of their wages) from their employers. The employee may be entitled to an additional 30 days of unpaid maternity leave if there are complications arising during pregnancy.

Who pays for it, and what percentage of normal salary is paid during the term of maternity leave?

The employer pays the maternity leave benefits. The compensation is 100% of the employee’s normal wage, making it an employer’s liability.

Does the law require that workers be paid at least 66.67% of their monthly wage during the term of maternity leave?

The law mandates 100% of the monthly wage to be paid during maternity leave.

Sources: §20.1(d) of the Decent Work Act, 2015

Pregnancy Testing / Inquiry in Recruitment

What is the relevant legislation regarding pregnancy inquiry during recruitment?

The Decent Work Act states that all individuals working or seeking employment in Liberia are entitled to the rights and protections, regardless of past, present, or future pregnancy or breastfeeding. It prohibits discrimination on the grounds of "previous, current or future pregnancy or breastfeeding" as well as "family responsibilities".

Does the law prohibit employers from inquiring about pregnancy (through pregnancy testing or other means) during recruitment?

Though not explicitly stated, the legislation implicitly prohibits employers from inquiring about pregnancy since the discrimination on the grounds of “previous, current or future pregnancy or breastfeeding” is prohibited.

Sources: §2.4(v) of the Decent Work Act, 2015

Free Medical Care

What is the relevant legislation on free medical care for pregnant workers?

The relevant legislation is the Liberian Constitution and the Decent Work Act, 2015.

The right to healthcare and welfare facilities is mentioned in the Liberian Constitution as a general principle of national policy. However, free medical care is not mentioned in either the Liberian Constitution or the Decent Work Act 2015.

What are the detailed provisions on maternity medical benefits?

There is no provision in the Decent Work Act, 2015, concerning maternity medical benefits. The Act does not mandate employers or the government to provide free maternity-related medical services, such as prenatal or postnatal care. It mainly focuses on maternity leave entitlements rather than health service provisions.

Does the law require that pregnant workers be provided free antenatal and postnatal medical care?

No, the law does not require that pregnant workers be provided free antenatal or postnatal medical care.

Sources: §8 of the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia 1986