ASU members have led the campaign for 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave and yesterday we won.
Yesterday, the Fair Work Commission has made an in-principle decision that 2.66 million workers covered by modern awards should have access to 10 days paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave. We await the final details and introduction of the clause as they are finalised by the Fair Work Commission.
This is a historic step and will be life-changing for women experiencing family violence.
The very first family violence leave in an enforceable industrial agreement anywhere in the world was negotiated by the Australian Services Union Vic/Tas Branch in 2010 at Surf Coast Shire Council.
Paid family and domestic violence leave can give a woman – and it nearly always is a woman – the time, support and job security she needs to escape and recover from an abusive relationship.
To cover all workers, we need at least 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave in the National Employment Standards.
We won’t wait, because women can’t wait.
