Yahoo Finance Major push to give millions of Aussies 12 extra days off work: 'Incredible benefits'
The Health Services Union will be pushing the Albanese government to usher in reproductive leave.
Anthony Albanese's administration is under pressure to introduce a new national leave scheme for millions of Aussie workers that could give them "incredible benefits". The Health Services Union (HSU) wants to see all Aussies have access to 12 extra leave days per year so they can look after their reproductive health.
The HSU is kicking off a national campaign today to see the National Employment Standards updated to include the additional time away from work. This time can be used for IVF treatments, severe period pain, menopause, vasectomies, gender-transitioning therapies, and other appointments.
The union's national senior assistant secretary, Kate Marshall, who received fertility treatment to conceive her twin daughters after two miscarriages, said the leave should be a right for everyone across the country.
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“It shouldn’t be down to being lucky enough to have an understanding boss,” she said.
“Making 12 days’ reproductive leave part of the minimum entitlements for all workers will have incredible benefits across the entire economy.
“Women will be able to stay in the workforce longer, build more superannuation and help us close the gender pay gap.”
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Bringing in 12 extra days of leave would exceed other global players like Japan and South Korea, who have 10 and six days respectively for fertility treatments.
The HSU's campaign also goes a step further than the 10 days being pushed by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).
“Too many workers have been penalised or forced to bow out of employment because of reproductive health issues," ACTU president Michele O'Neil said in a statement.
“Working people have already campaigned, and won, this entitlement at some workplaces but we want to see this extended as a basic entitlement to all Australian workers."
What does the government say about the initiative?
Health Minister Mark Butler and Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt have not confirmed whether the federal government will support the HSU's initiative.
A government spokesperson said there were already legislated leave requirements allowing workers time off for reproductive health concerns like personal/carer’s leave. Compassionate leave can also be used in circumstances involving a miscarriage.
The spokesperson also pointed towards enterprise agreements which were now beginning to include entitlements such as reproductive health leave or menopause leave.
“The Albanese government recognises that reproductive health issues can impact women’s health, wellbeing and economic security,” they said.
“The NES in the Fair Work Act provide legislated minimum employment entitlements and are a safety net for Australian workers.
“Employers and employees can also bargain for entitlements that improve on minimum standards.”
Queensland leading the country with reproductive leave
The Sunshine State revealed earlier this year it would be giving nearly 300,000 public sector workers up to 10 days of extra leave for reproductive health.
“I always want Queensland’s incredible public sector to shine as an employer of choice and I hope to see other organisations follow our lead when it comes to backing the health and equity of workers," Premier Steven Miles said in a statement.
“This is both about improving pay equity for women in the workforce and supporting the health and wellbeing of the workers who make this state a better place.”
He added that Queensland now leads the country for reproductive health leave. Here is how the other state government workers compare:
Victoria: 5 days
NSW: 5 days
ACT: 5 days
South Australia: 0 days
Northern Territory: 0 days
Tasmania: 0 days
Western Australia: 0 days
- with NCA Newswire
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