Revised decree expands leave provisions for alternative service workers

A revised presidential decree took effect, giving alternative service workers up to 10 days of leave to accompany their spouses to medical checkups during pregnancy.

Workers can receive up to 30 days of leave a year to personally care for paternal or maternal grandparents, parents including parents-in-law, spouses or children with illness or physical or mental disabilities. Leave for grandparents is available only if no other direct descendant exists or is unable to provide care because of illness, old age, disability or being a minor.

The revision clarifies standards for petition leave to care for direct family members and creates service conditions compatible with work and family life. The head of an alternative service institution may approve leave for pregnancy checkups during a spouse's pregnancy.