The ANMF is calling for major improvements to the National Employment Standards (NES), including 10 days paid reproductive health leave and an expanded definition of shift workers to ensure more employees working irregular hours are fairly compensated.

A federal parliamentary inquiry into the NES, which sets the minimum employment entitlements for all workers, was launched in November last year. Submissions have now been lodged, and public hearings are scheduled to start soon.

The NES guarantees personal and carer’s leave but does not cover reproductive health leave despite the widespread impact of reproductive health issues on workers, couples and families. Reproductive health encompasses a range of health matters including menstruation, pregnancy, contraception, miscarriage, perimenopause, and IVF and fertility treatment.

Unions including the ANMF are pushing for 10 days of paid reproductive health leave for all workers to manage any health issue linked to reproduction.

Some workers have already secured paid reproductive health leave through union-negotiated collective agreements. For example, Victorian and ACT workers can access up to five days of reproductive health leave each year, while Queensland public sector workers are entitled to 10 days per year. But most Australians have no dedicated right to take time off for their reproductive health needs.

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