Union body pushes for 10 days of reproductive leave for NSW public sector workers

The southern hemisphere’s largest employer must lead the way in ensuring that workers are not forced to choose between their health and their jobs, argues Unions NSW.

Unions NSW, the peak body for unions in Australia’s largest state, is pushing to secure reproductive leave in state awards, ensuring hundreds of thousands of public sector workers get access to additional workplace rights.

A new report – Reproductive Leave, It’s for Every Body!, and polished by the union body – details how the absence of reproductive leave is forcing workers in NSW to postpone critical healthcare, affecting their health, productivity, and workplace participation, Unions NSW said in a statement.

According to the report, which surveyed more than 1,000 workers, almost one-half (49 per cent) postponed essential treatment due to lack of leave, while 81 per cent had their ability to work affected by reproductive issues.

Unions NSW’s survey also reported strong support for reproductive leave, with more than 90 per cent of respondents indicating it would help them better manage their reproductive health.

Unions NSW gender equity officer Karen Willis (pictured) said: “With NSW as the largest employer in the country, we have an opportunity to lead by example and give workers the rights they need now – not years down the track.”

“These findings paint a concerning picture of workers being forced to choose between their health and their job. No worker should have to delay critical healthcare because they can’t access appropriate leave.”

The push follows HR Leader’s reporting from last week about the ongoing dispute between unionsed lawyers and other professionals at major Australian law firm Maurice Blackburn, which centres on – among other things – the firm’s purported refusal to increase the allowance for reproductive leave from four days to 10 days.

The union body had written to NSW Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis, calling for the state government to implement reproductive leave in state public sector awards.

The letter said: “The NSW government has a unique opportunity to lead the way by implementing a dedicated reproductive leave entitlement for all employees within the NSW Public Service. As the largest employer in the southern hemisphere, a commitment to this reform would set a precedent for the broader workforce and affirm its dedication to health equity and workplace participation.”

It calls for a minimum of 10 days paid reproductive leave per year for public sector workers, as well as flexible working arrangements and workplace adjustments, aligning with national health strategies.

Willis said: “While there is a national campaign for 10-day reproductive leave entitlement, we are not waiting. We are taking proactive steps now to get the ball rolling and secure it in state awards.”

“As the largest employer in the southern hemisphere, the NSW public sector has an opportunity to set a new standard for workplace rights. This would benefit thousands of essential workers, including nurses, teachers, and community service employees.

“Workers are suffering, and we need action now.

“This is about fundamental health rights in the workplace, and it is time for NSW to lead the way. We are urging the state government to support the move and set a precedent by bringing reproductive leave into workplace entitlements immediately.”