News Unions push for new universal right to 10 days paid reproductive leave

Australian Unions are pushing the Albanese Government to introduce 10 days of paid reproductive health leave for all workers, warning that millions of Australians are currently forced to use up sick leave or go unpaid to manage serious health conditions.

Unions today submitted a proposal to the federal parliamentary inquiry into the National Employment Standards (NES), calling for a dedicated entitlement to reproductive health leave. The Queensland Government already provides 10 days of paid reproductive health leave to its public workforce, but no national standard exists.

Under the proposal, all workers, regardless of their gender, would gain access to 10 days of paid leave to manage any health issue linked to reproduction. This includes prostate cancer screening, vasectomy recovery, IVF and fertility treatment, miscarriage, menstrual pain, menopause, and conditions such as endometriosis.

Some workers have secured paid reproductive health leave through union-negotiated collective agreements, but most Australians have no dedicated right to take time off for their reproductive health needs. As a result, workers either use personal leave or go unpaid to manage routine and serious health issues.

"Reproductive health affects all workers, regardless of their gender. Whether you're going through IVF, attending a prostate cancer screening, or managing endometriosis, these are important health issues that should never cause financial stress.

"The evidence is clear: giving people paid time off to manage their health improves long-term wellbeing and lifts productivity," said Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) Assistant Secretary Liam O'Brien.