Moldova keeps vacation pay unchanged and expands parental‑leave benefits

Minister of Labour and Social Protection Natalia Plugaru confirmed that the recent amendment to the vacation‑pay regime will not reduce the indemnity employees receive for leave days.

A separate draft law approved in a first reading by Parliament will also count maternity and paternal leave periods as contributory for public pensions. The bill introduces the notion of “employee with family responsibilities,” granting additional legal guarantees, such as written consent for single parents to work night shifts when children are under 16. Existing provisions for night‑work consent for parents of children up to four years, or with disabilities, will be broadened. The legislation also outlines minimum durations for maternity leave (at least 126 calendar days) and paternal leave (up to 15 calendar days). Once passed in a second reading, the changes will take effect three months after publication in the official gazette.