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Supermarket giant Coles announces paid gender transition leave

Coles has announced a major change for its trans staff, a move that’s been described as “way ahead” of many politicians.

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Trans and gender-diverse staff at Coles will be entitled to up to 10 days of paid “gender affirmation” leave, the supermarket giant has announced.

Gender affirmation, or gender transition, involves a trans person taking steps to feel more socially or physically aligned with the gender they feel they are internally.

It often involves updating names, pronouns and physical presentation to better reflect their chosen gender.

Coles trans staff will now be paid to undertake transition. Picture: Georgia Clelland
Coles trans staff will now be paid to undertake transition. Picture: Georgia Clelland

Trans employees at Coles will now be paid to undertake this process under changes the supermarket chain says are important steps to promoting LGBTIQI+ inclusion.

Coles legal and safety chief David Brewster said it was time to introduce trans-specific policy.

“We know that we have at least 900 team members who identify as transgender or gender diverse,” Mr Brewster said.

“We need to have proper policy and education in this area so there is clear guidance around taking leave for this important transition in their life.”

In a statement, Coles said its trans staff were also able to use the toilets of their chosen gender.

“You’ll be supported as the gender with which you identify, wear the clothes or uniform of your affirmed gender, use the toilets and change rooms of your affirmed gender and be referred to by the name of your affirmed gender too,” the statement said.

The announcement comes a year after supermarket rival Woolworths announced its own trans policy, allowing staff two weeks of paid leave to support the gender affirmation process.

Insurance company Allianz introduced four weeks of paid gender transition leave in March, while Westpac has had the same policy in place since 2019.

West Australian Labor senator Sue Lines was swift to back Coles, taking to Twitter to praise the decision and take a swipe at the Morrison government.

“Congratulations Coles on introducing gender affirmation leave. You are way ahead of many Morrison government ministers,” she said.

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/at-work/supermarket-giant-coles-announces-paid-gender-transition-leave/news-story/656fd4fb1f9076d13455a29eac606cf0