Annastacia Palaszczuk supports push for reproductive leave

Union support for ‘reproductive leave’ has more than doubled since November with 13 unions now lobbying for workers to get time off to deal with period and menopause pain, miscarriage and vasectomies.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Picture: David Clark

The growing union push for paid reproductive leave – including time off for menstrual and menopause symptoms, pregnancy loss and male health issues – has received support from Annastacia Palaszczuk, as employers begin to introduce their own special leave entitlements.

The union campaign is backed by law firm Maurice Blackburn and has the support of 13 unions, including the Financial Services Union, the Health Services Union, the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association, and the Victorian Trades Hall Council.

“As a sufferer of endometriosis, I think there needs to be more awareness and support around women’s health, and we should consider additional leave for some medically recognised conditions,” the Queensland Premier told The Australian.

“In Queensland, our government is actively looking at what additional support could be provided, and I’d like to see other ­jurisdictions, including the federal government, working together on this.”

The Premier has been outspoken about her experience with endometriosis and miscarriage.

“I know from talking to women across that state that many of them suffer the symptoms of endo, menopause, miscarriage, and even IVF treatment in silence, and I think all jurisdictions should be looking at what can be done collectively to break down these barriers,” she said.

Initially asking for 12 days a year for leave to be enshrined in the Fair Work Act, Maurice Blackburn lawyer Jessica Heron says 13 days is now being advocated for.

“I guess one of the largest changes is that we’ve moved towards using the language reproductive leave,” she said.

“Yes, having a female reproductive system can cause painful and persistent symptoms throughout the life of a person. So that’s from menstruation to trialling birth control pills, pregnancy complications, perimenopause, and then the menopause. While we appreciate that men can experience challenges with their reproductive systems, those challenges disproportionately affect women.

“However, using the term reproductive leave will capture all genders. So from a legal perspective, this removes any argument around current discrimination laws negating the Fair Work Act reform that we’re proposing.”

Finance Sector Union national secretary Julia Angrisano. Picture: Hollie Adams

A cost to the economy report, to be conducted by The McKell ­Institute has also been secured.

“In terms of challenges, one of the biggest hurdles for us was getting any cost to the economy report, and that’s obviously a very important thing. When you’re pushing for reform with something, you need to understand what the cost is going to be on the public purse,” Ms Heron said.

The FSU has secured menstrual and menopause leave for some of its members, with Cbus superannuation and Police Bank workers entitled to 12 days of paid menopause and menstrual leave.

A new NAB enterprise agreement – yet to go to a vote – also includes access to workplace flexibilities for workers experiencing symptoms.

FSU national secretary Julia Angrisano said workplace flexibility and paid menstrual and menopause leave would keep older workers in the sector.

Health and Community Services Union assistant secretary Kate Marshall said adopting federal and state public policy, as well as amending the National Employment Standards to include menstrual and menopause leave, would be the best outcome.

The new NAB enterprise agreement includes access to workplace flexibilities for workers experiencing symptoms. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

“I’d love for it to do what the family domestic violence leave has done, and make it to the NES. I think it’s really important for women’s rights at work, for women’s participation in the workforce,” Ms Marshall said.