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Citizens protest against planned reduction in maternity benefits
A group of angry citizens rallied outside the National Assembly on Monday to protest against government plans to cut maternity benefits paid by the state. They are protesting against the draft amendments to the Law On Temporary Disability Benefits. Currently, the National Assembly is holding a hearing on the bill. The acting law stipulates that the monthly allowances must fully match the salaries of women employed by public or private entities. However, under the bill, pregnant women with work experience of up to 1 and 3 years would be paid sums equivalent to only 40 percent and 60 percent of their wages respectively. The protesters say that the bill is in violation with the Armenian Constitution and international law.
