Unions are praising the Queensland Government for introducing new reproductive health leave entitlements for its public sector workers, providing up to 10 days of leave per year for issues related to reproductive health and chronic conditions like endometriosis, as well as screenings for diseases such as breast and prostate cancers, fertility treatments including IVF, and other reproductive health-related procedures like hysterectomies and vasectomies.
This benefit will apply to approximately 265,000 Queensland State Government-employed workers, including firefighters, nurses, police officers, and teachers. Private sector employers are urged to follow suit.
Unions support this initiative, which is viewed as both an industrial and occupational health and safety (OHS) matter, aiming to help workers and their families balance work and reproductive health responsibilities.
Workers with endometriosis often benefit from accommodations such as job modifications or flexible arrangements, which can include working from home or taking leave.