Mandatory Maternity Leave
Plain English
It's the compulsory maternity leave for working mothers in Italy: typically 5 months around the birth, with INPS paying 80% of salary during the leave. Many CCNLs add to that with a top-up from the employer.
Why it matters
Mothers cannot legally work during the mandatory period. The protection is strong, so missed payments or pressure to come back early are not accepted.
Real example
"As her due date approached in Trento, Ludmilla stopped working a month before delivery and stayed home for the four months after. INPS paid 80% of her salary, and her CCNL added the missing 20%."
Common confusion
Beyond the mandatory period, congedo parentale (optional parental leave) takes over for longer time off. The two have different rules and different pay rates.
Official source
INPS