Maternity Protection Act, 1979 (Austria)

Maternity Protection Act 1979

Sets out general provisions to protect pregnant women against health hazards that arise in the workplace. During the period of eight weeks before and after the birth women must not work. Also stipulates that pregnant women must not perform physical heavy work.

Furthermore there are prohibitions with respect to several circumstances: pregnant women must not work at night which means from 8PM to 6AM, and they must not work on Sundays, statutory holidays and overtime.

Dismissal during the pregnancy and until four month after the birth is void. Women on their part must immediately indicate their pregnancy to the employer, which is obligated to announce the pregnancy to the labour inspectorate, which is the body that ensures that all legal standards on maternity protection are respected. This Act is applicable to all employees, including those working in the home industry sector.