In 2020, Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) began the Reproductive Health Leave campaign to ensure any person, regardless of their reproductive health challenges, can fully and meaningfully participate in work, and in turn are afforded the social and economic security they rightfully deserve.
Reproductive health issues can affect anybody, at any stage of their working life.
We know that normal leave entitlements often aren’t enough, and people end up having to take unpaid leave and possibly jeopardising their jobs.
That isn’t fair and it isn’t right. That’s why we joined the national launch to campaign for every worker to have the right to Reproductive Health Leave.
It this would be a hugely positive step in fostering a healthy and supportive workplace, for all.
We’re advocating for a minimum of 12 days paid leave for reproductive health issues, covering severe menstrual pain, vasectomies, menopause, gender transitioning therapies and more. We’d also like to see flexible work arrangements and reasonable adjustments made available for all those experiencing reproductive health issues.
With 83% of women saying their work was negatively affected by the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, and over half considered retiring or taking a break from work, shows how important it is to have Reproductive Health Leave.
Not only that but similar leave policies have been linked to narrowing the gender pay gap by allowing women to stay in the workforce and reducing career interruptions.
That’s why on World Sexual Health Day, which was this week, we joined the national launch of the campaign to push for Reproductive Health Leave to go national for all workers. But to do it we need your support!
Learn more about our RHL campaign and sign the petition: https://reproductivehealthleave.com.au/
Reproductive Health and Work
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 – we know your reproductive health impacts your working life and we want to hear your story.
Everyone’s experience is unique, but we know the impacts can be significant – using all your sick leave or losing pay, leaving a workplace that won’t support you, retiring early or working through pain because of a lack of flexibility and much more. We need workplaces that respect our experiences.
Workers are campaigning to win paid leave and better support for all workers! By completing this survey, you can help us understand your experience – and let us know if you’re keen to get involved in the campaign.
Will you take a moment to share your story? Complete the survey here