Article 7
1. Measures shall be taken to ensure that an alternative to night work is available to women workers who would otherwise be called upon to perform such work:
(a) before and after childbirth, for a period of at least sixteen weeks of which at least eight weeks shall be before the expected date of childbirth;
(b) for additional periods in respect of which a medical certificate is produced stating that it is necessary for the health of the mother or child:
(i) during pregnancy;
(ii) during a specified time beyond the period after childbirth fixed pursuant to subparagraph (a) above, the length of which shall be determined by the competent authority after consulting the most representative organisations of employers and workers.
2. The measures referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article may include transfer to day work where this is possible, the provision of social security benefits or an extension of maternity leave.
3. During the periods referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article:
(a) a woman worker shall not be dismissed or given notice of dismissal, except for justifiable reasons not connected with pregnancy or childbirth;
(b) the income of the woman worker shall be maintained at a level sufficient for the upkeep of herself and her child in accordance with a suitable standard of living. This income maintenance may be ensured by any of the measures listed in paragraph 2 of this Article, by other appropriate measures or by a combination of these measures;
(c) a woman worker shall not lose the benefits regarding status, seniority and access to promotion which may attach to her regular night work position.
4. The provisions of this Article shall not have the effect of reducing the protection and benefits connected with maternity leave.