WP MP Louis Chua: Parents are relieved at additional childcare leaves announced in NDR speech

On August 24, Workers' Party Member of Parliament (WP MP) Louis Chua shared on Facebook that parents were relieved after Prime Minister Wong’s National Day Rally speech. Chua noted that the announcement of additional childcare leaves was a measure he had previously raised in Parliament over a year ago. The new policy provides eight days of leave for families with one child, 10 days for families with two children, and 12 days for families with three or more children.

This increase is significant, as a working couple with three primary school children would receive 24 days of childcare leave, compared to the previous four days.

Previously, parents with children aged six and younger were given six days off annually, while parents with children between seven and 12 years old received only two days off per year. Chua, a parent of young children, had previously criticized the insufficient childcare leave days, including the lack of provisions for sick days.

He expressed relief at the move away from the arguments about striking a balance between supporting parents and employers' needs, emphasizing that the current total fertility rate (TFR) crisis required immediate action.

The government will also cover the cost of all child-related leaves, up to a reimbursement limit of S$2,500 per week, to alleviate the financial burden on employers. The Prime Minister called on employers to support employees who are parents by giving them confidence to take the entitled leave.