The ASU has been a leader in making workplaces better for those who experience violence in the home. We have argued successfully that a system of support for those workers would be a win-win, benefiting both the worker and the employer.
We are now part of the national campaign called We Won't Wait to bring family and domestic violence leave to all workers via the National Employment Standards, not just those with employers who understand what is at stake.
The ASU is renewing its call for a minimum of ten days of paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave to be included in national workplace laws to help women escape violent situations.
The Federal Government must act to give every worker access to paid family and domestic violence leave.
Why do we need family and domestic violence leave?
Escaping a violent relationship takes time and money.
It is estimated that moving to find a new, safe place for yourself and your family costs can cost up to $20,000 and take more than 140 hours – but Federal laws currently only provide for five days of unpaid leave.
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.
One in three employers now offers this leave. All State and Territory Governments do as well but two out of three employees are still missing out.
A woman’s safety shouldn’t depend on her employer. The Federal Government must act now to give all workers access to paid family and domestic violence leave.
It takes paid leave to leave. And we won’t wait, because women can’t wait.