The Greens welcome news public sector workers have reached an agreement for pay and conditions with the government. Five days of paid reproductive leave as part of the deal is an important step forward, which the Greens have been advocating for.
Reproductive health issues like menstruation, endometriosis and menopause have serious physical and mental effects for sufferers. It can impact their ability to work, and result in significant impacts on a person’s finances without leave entitlements.
This is a particular issue in female-dominated fields, like the caring industries and education. Menopause can even force women, trans men and gender diverse people who suffer from it into early retirement.
The Greens have been echoing calls from the unions for public sector workers to be given reproductive leave in the media and Parliament. It’s great news the government have taken up these calls.
This is an important step forward which will allow workers to better manage reproductive health issues. It’s a win-win, also making Tasmania a more attractive place to work.
Tasmania joins Queensland in leading this change. We hope this will be a signal to the private sector to increase their reproductive leave entitlements for workers.
