The 88 th Conference will have a second discussion on maternity protection at work and is expected to adopt a new international labour Convention and Recommendation on this subject. Maternity protection of women at work is a subject of core importance to workers and has been accorded a central place by the International Labour Organization since it was founded in 1919. In that same year it adopted the first Maternity Protection Convention, laying out basic principles of maternity protection - the right to leave, the right to cash and medical benefits and the right to job security, as well as the right to nursing breaks during working hours. Since that time, women's employment patterns have changed greatly around the world. Women now tend to work throughout their childbearing years.
Women contribute a higher proportion of family income than ever before.
The importance of maternity protection for employed women has grown in consequence. Discussions on the draft ILO Maternity Protection Convention will cover many issues, including the scope of application of the new Convention, the period of maternity leave, leave in case of illness or complications, the level of cash benefits, employment protection and non-discrimination and breaks for nursing mothers. The draft Recommendation contains more specific provisions concerning extension of the period of maternity leave, as well as maternity benefits, employment protection and discrimination, health protection and nursing mothers. The revision of the existing international labour standards for maternity protection has been the subject of wide consultation with governments and organizations of employers and workers around the world. It has also generated interest among international organizations, non-governmental organizations and the general public.