Document background
The Maternity Leave Letter to Employer is a crucial document in Belgian employment relations, required when an employee needs to formally notify their employer of pregnancy and intention to take maternity leave. Under Belgian law, employees are entitled to 15 weeks of maternity leave (extended to 19 weeks for multiple births), with specific requirements for notification timing and medical certification. This document is typically submitted at least 8 weeks before the expected due date, though earlier notification is common to ensure proper workplace arrangements. The letter serves multiple purposes: it triggers legal protections against dismissal, initiates the process for maternity benefits, and allows employers to plan for temporary coverage of the employee's responsibilities. The document must comply with Belgian labor regulations, particularly the Labour Law of 16 March 1971 and related royal decrees concerning maternity protection.
