Breaking taboos around menstruation and menopause is not an easy feat, especially when society has avoided talking about these issues for so many generations.
Which is why it’s important to celebrate the wins when they happen. In this instance, FSU members at the Australian Mutual Bank Limited (AMBL) made terrific progress by unanimously voting up their latest Enterprise Agreement, which includes five days of paid reproductive leave.
This new entitlement allows employees to take paid leave to cover treatment or to help manage conditions related to menstruation, perimenopause, menopause, poly-cystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, IVF, and other forms of assisted reproductive health services, such as vasectomy, hysterectomy and terminations.
“The additional benefits just keep getting better for workers thanks to the FSU and other unions,” said FSU member Dom, who has been an AMBL Rep for over 30 years.
“The five days of reproductive leave in the AMBL agreement is very thoughtful and appropriately, the leave is equally for men, women, and transgender people.
“This leave should be added to the National Employment Standards to become compulsory for all workplaces.”
Fortunately, AMBL management were supportive from the start, with CEO Mark Worthington saying the organisation introduced the leave because it was “the right thing to do to support our staff”.
“This leave will help address inequities and will recognise and support the women and men in our organisation who may need more care and time for their health and wellbeing,” said Mr Worthington.
“I’d encourage any employer who wants to create a more equitable workplace to consider introducing this leave. We believe it will help with retention, motivation and loyalty from our staff.”
The new AMBL agreement also includes a 4.1% pay rise for this year (backdated to 1 July) and 12 weeks of paid parental leave, which does not distinguish between primary and secondary carer. Employees will also receive an additional five days of paid leave, to be taken flexibly when they return from their parental leave.
We’re so proud of our members at AMBL for the work they have done to secure this progressive leave entitlement!
Since 2021, FSU members have been at the forefront of advocating for workplace policies that support those affected by menopause and menstruation and breaking the stigmas surrounding it.
The past 12 months have seen a marked increase in the number of FSU-negotiated agreements that include paid menopause or menstrual leave. In the last year, 20% of new Enterprise Agreements covering FSU members provided paid menopause or menstruation leave (or a combination of both), while 33% provided fertility leave.
You can read more about our national Breaking Taboos campaign and the progress we’re making here.
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