Inland Chinese province hailed for passing nation’s first women’s labour law that takes into account effects of menopause

A new regulation to protect the rights of women employees in the province is the first of its kind in the country to cover women in menopause, Workers’ Daily reports.

The people’s congress of Shanxi province, the central north, recently passed rules stating that women workers with “climacteric syndrome” should be allowed to change duties, if they want.

The rules also say women would be able to have one or two days of sick leave if they suffer menstrual cramps.

The new law adds that women in the first and last three months of pregnancy should not be given night shifts or work overtime. Employers cannot cut women’s salary, benefits or bonuses, or delay promotions because they are pregnant or take maternity leave.

The new regulation will take effect in the province from October.