Everybody, at every stage of their working life, may need time to address symptoms and issues arising from their reproductive health, such as menstruation, endometriosis, menopause, fertility, and prostate treatment, to name a few.
Which is why it’s time all workers across Australia had access to ten days of paid leave per year to manage their reproductive health – It’s for Every Body is a campaign led by union members to win just that!
What is reproductive health leave?
Reproductive health leave is an entitlement that allows all workers to take time off to manage their reproductive health, including attending preventative screening appointments. It covers a range of issues including:
- menopause and perimenopause
- menstruation
- fertility treatments
- pregnancy
- contraception
- vasectomy
- miscarriage
- termination
- poly-cystic ovarian syndrome
- endometriosis
- hormone therapy
- hysterectomy
- screenings for breast and prostate cancer
Why do we need it and what would it mean for workers?
Millions of Australians are impacted by chronic reproductive health conditions, with 1 in 7 women suffering from endometriosis, 1 in 6 couples experiencing fertility issues, 1 in 18 babies being born via IVF treatment and 1 in 6 men affected by prostate cancer.
Meanwhile, the economic cost of absenteeism (being unable to work), presenteeism (being at work but not able to function as normal), reduced workforce participation and early retirement is estimated to be several billion dollars; with women missing out on an average of $60,000 in superannuation, due to early retirement because of menopause.
Access to paid reproductive health leave would help address the gender pay gap, reduce reproductive health stigma, support workers’ health and wellbeing and create more inclusive workplaces across the country.
Here from Dimity, Emily and Rina about what reproductive leave would for them.
What does the research say?
The impact of reproductive health issues on the Australian workforce – and workers’ health and wellbeing – has long been overlooked.
In addition to causing serious physical and mental pain and logistical difficulties, there is an ignorance, isolation and stigma around reproductive health issues that cause workers to suffer in silence, which is linked to high rates of missed work and work opportunities. Impacts from delays in diagnosis can result in significant health implications for both men and women.
Read more from The McKell Institute, Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre and Financial Services Union.
The campaign so far
Union members have been fighting for reproductive health leave for nearly a decade, winning these rights in workplaces across the country, from community services, financial services, not-for-profit, and public service. And the momentum is building!
Now, union members and activists from all industries are campaigning to win these rights in more workplace agreements, and raising awareness and support to include 10 days paid reproductive leave in the National Employment Standards so that ALL workers can access it.
Get involved!
Join the campaign and access resources to start the conversation with your union and in your workplace, spread the message on social media and attend events happing in your state.
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It’s For Every Body: calling for reproductive health leave