IEUA backs reproductive health reform
The national branch of the union has appeared before an expert panel reviewing the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Act, providing a detailed submission about the legislation’s impact on IEU members.
An independent statutory review of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 is being undertaken by an expert Review Panel to assess the impact of the legislation and whether further amendments are needed to improve its operation.
The IEU strongly supports draft recommendation 15, which suggests that the Australian Government should conduct further research into extending protections under the Fair Work Act to cover perimenopause, menopause, and other reproductive health issues.
IEUA Secretary Brad Hayes said, “Extending workplace protections to include reproductive health—such as perimenopause, menopause, and IVF—is essential. Lack of support in this area contributes to gender inequality, economic disadvantage, and workplace discrimination.
“Unions have long advocated for paid reproductive health leave and paid miscarriage leave and have won these entitlements in some Enterprise Agreements. However, legislative changes are needed to ensure all workers have fair and equitable support throughout their careers and that there is a minimum entitlement that employers must provide.
“The IEU welcomes the proposed recommendation to conduct research in this area as a positive step toward including reproductive health protections from discrimination in the Fair Work Act.
The IEUA will also continue working towards:
Recognising reproductive health as a valid reason for requesting flexible work arrangements under Section 65 of the Fair Work Act.
Including paid reproductive health leave in the National Employment Standards.
“By making these changes, we can create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for all workers,” Brad said.
It’s For Every Body campaign
The Australian Unions It’s For Every Body is a campaign to win ten days paid leave and flexibility entitlements for workers experiencing a range of reproductive health issues to treat or manage these issues.
It recognises that many of these health issues can take a serious physical and mental toll on workers and can inhibit their ability to work.
Introducing paid reproductive leave and eligibility to flexibility entitlements on reproductive health grounds would help to address the stigma around reproductive health issues.
What are we campaigning for?
All workers, regardless of sex or gender, can experience reproductive health issues at some point throughout their working lives. That’s why Australian unions are calling for 10 days paid reproductive health leave and flexible work rights to be included in the National Employment Standards.
The proposed leave entitlement would cover a range of issues, including:
Menstruation
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding and lactation
Contraception
Miscarriage and pregnancy loss
Perimenopause and menopause
Chronic conditions such as poly-cystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis
Hormone therapy
Fertility treatments, IVF and assisted reproductive health services
Vasectomy
Hysterectomy
Termination
Preventative health care such as screenings for breast, cervical and prostate cancer.