Parental Leave for Fathers Act (Austria)

Parental Leave for Fathers Act

Provides for the right of male employees to take unpaid leave to care for their new-born babies. During the leave, the employment relationship remains intact, as paternity leave is to be considered as an extended holiday.

The leave may commence at the end of the mother’s prohibition to work (usually 8 weeks after birth) and is limited to the end of the child’s second year of life. Paternity leave may only be taken by fathers residing in the same household as the child. Employees on such leave may not be dismissed during the period of their leave.