The ACTU is advocating for reproductive health rights to be included in the Fair Work Act, enabling workers to request flexible work arrangements for health issues such as menopause and perimenopause. This topic will be discussed at this week’s ACTU Congress in Adelaide.
Key requests from the ACTU include:
- Extending the right to request flexible work arrangements to include reproductive health concerns
- Designating reproductive health as a protected attribute in anti-discrimination laws
- Addressing the stigma and lack of support for discussing reproductive health issues in the workplace
- Developing a reproductive health regulation and code of practice under work health and safety law
The ACTU’s submission highlights:
- The importance of workplace supports like flexible work and working from home
- The challenges workers face in accessing reasonable adjustments for reproductive health issues
- The need for a cultural shift to ensure workers receive necessary support and accommodations
Specific examples of progress include:
- The FSU securing 12 days of paid menopause and menstrual leave for CBUS super fund workers and Police Bank employees
- CPSU Victoria securing five days of reproductive health leave in the Victorian Public Sector Agreement
- QCU advocating for similar provisions and recently securing a 10-day entitlement in the Queensland public sector