Reproductive health leave survey – It’s For Every Body
Unionists are campaigning for a reproductive health leave entitlement that would benefit all workers – including those experiencing menopause.
Victorian Trades Hall Council is supporting the It’s For Every Body campaign to enshrine ten days of paid reproductive health leave in the National Employment Standards to ensure that all workers have the time and flexibility necessary to manage their reproductive health without sacrificing their careers or financial security.
They are also supporting affiliates to achieve reproductive health and wellbeing support clauses in their Enterprise Agreements. To further the campaign, Trades Hall is conducting a survey to gain a better understanding of workers’ experiences.
Reproductive health is a workplace issue
When it comes to managing our reproductive health and work, we all have a story to tell. Whether it’s managing menstruation or the impacts of menopause, accessing fertility treatments, managing chronic health issues or accessing preventative health care, your reproductive health impacts your working life. The survey will help inform the campaign with your unique experiences.
What is Workplace Reproductive Health and Wellbeing Support?
Workplace Reproductive Health and Wellbeing Support encompasses paid leave and flexibility entitlements that workers can access to manage a range of reproductive health issues. These can include menstruation, perimenopause, menopause, fertility treatments, chronic health issues like endometriosis and poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), vasectomy, hormone therapy, hysterectomy, and screenings for breast cancer and prostate cancer.
Why we need a new type of leave
Reproductive health issues, such as menstruation and menopause, are not illnesses – they are part of our lives, yet currently most workers are forced to use sick leave to manage their reproductive health. This is especially problematic for women, who already bear a disproportionate burden of unpaid care work, often using their leave for caring responsibilities. Reproductive health leave is about recognising that these issues deserve specific recognition and support.
The career impact of reproductive health
Reproductive health issues, including menopause, can severely disrupt women’s careers. A recent government inquiry found that many women leave the workforce earlier than planned due to inadequate workplace support for managing perimenopause and menopause symptoms. This premature exit contributes to the gender and superannuation gap, with the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees reporting that menopause costs women $17 billion annually in lost earnings and superannuation. Without workplace accommodations, reproductive health issues can significantly reduce workforce participation and career progression.
An expert overview
In the Term 2 edition of The Point, Lisa Heap, a Senior Researcher at the Centre for Future Work at the Australia Institute, examined the debate over reproductive leave. It’s a nuanced essay essential to a full understanding of this topic.