Women in construction need parental leave reform, says research

Research undertaken by the University of Sydney Business School highlights the challenges faced by women when it comes to needed entitlements in the male-dominated field of construction.

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) recently commissioned research from the University of Sydney Business School to better understand the unique challenges faced by women as they navigate pregnancy, parental leave, and returning to work.

The research found, among other things, that pregnancy and parental leave transitions are career-breaking; that women are modifying their reproductive decisions to fit the job; and that the construction industry’s health and safety culture doesn’t extend to pregnant workers.

Women account for just 13.6 per cent of the workforce in construction, the university noted, and just 3 per cent of trades worked nationwide.

Among other recommendations, the researchers suggested the creation of an industry-funded parental leave scheme to help boost the retention of women in construction.

Speaking about the research, study co-author Dr Natalie Galea, who is a senior lecturer in the University of Sydney Business School, said: “Many of the women we spoke to were the first in their workplace to take parental leave and received little support from managers who lacked knowledge and experience.”

“In fact, they reported serious issues including forced disclosures, withheld promotions, demotions, and redundancies,” she said.

“Even in supportive workplaces, there are widespread issues including inadequate health and safety policies, lack of basic amenities such as women’s toilets and lactation rooms, and lack of clear and transparent parental leave policies.”

“The employment practices haven’t caught up with having women as part of the workforce – or even allowing men to take on caring responsibilities,” Galea continued.

“We urge the NSW government to consider an industry levy to fund parental leave, especially for small businesses and sole traders. This would encourage more women to take up a trade and enable skilled workers to remain in the industry, helping to address Australia’s construction skills shortage now and into the future.”

Associate Professor Myra Hamilton, also a study co-author, added: “Progress in this area will require coordinated efforts from trade unions, employer groups, employers, and government.”

“There is inadequate support for women in frontline roles during pregnancy and after the birth of their child, especially for sole traders and those in small businesses – and this is an industry dominated by small businesses,” she said.

“We encourage the sector to think creatively about how to better support this important and growing part of its workforce.”