Hundreds of workers will receive 12 days reproductive leave under a watershed agreement with the Health Services Union (HSU) that could be expanded nationwide.
Scope, one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit disability service providers, will become the first employer to provide 12 days of leave to cover IVF, severe menstrual pain, endometriosis, vasectomies, menopause, gender transitioning therapies and other health issues.
The HSU is calling for the 12-day leave entitlement to be part of the minimum employment standards for all workers.
The union will meet with federal politicians in Canberra this week as part of its national campaign for reproductive leave.
HSU National Senior Assistant Secretary Kate Marshall said the agreement with Scope should be replicated nationally.
“This landmark agreement is life-changing for thousands of disability care workers and their families,” she said.
“We’re seeing so many people, mainly women, use up all their leave to look after their reproductive health.
“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.
Ms Marshall received fertility treatment to conceive her twin daughters, Ava and Lucy, after two miscarriages.
“I did want to work but I also desperately wanted to have a family – why should a person have to pick one or the other?”
“It shouldn’t be down to being lucky enough to have an understanding boss. All workers deserve this critical leave to deal with a range of reproductive health issues.”
Reproductive health leave provides time off for contraception, endometriosis, fertility treatments, hormone therapy, hysterectomy, menstruation, miscarriage, pregnancy, poly-cystic ovarian syndrome, screenings for breast and prostate cancer, termination and vasectomy.
Scope operates across Victoria and NSW through 425 locations and is one of the biggest employers in the sector. The agreement with the HSU covers Victorian staff.
Visit the Reproductive Health Leave website:
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