Maternity leave plan put by ACTU important 1st step to decent Paternity leave

The Australian Workers Union has called for the inclusion of ‘Daddy Days’ or Paternity leave in a submission to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Maternity leave.

The union has praised the ACTU plan for 14 weeks maternity leave but the AWU submission argues that there is a case for the Commission to announce a 28 paternity leave program - based on a planned progressive increase over several years to reach these leave entitlements.

Can't afford unpaid leave at a crucial time in the life of the family

" For these women it is almost impossible to return to work within 12 weeks as they report difficulty performing their work as they did previously.

" These AWU women fall within the lower pay brackets and cannot afford to take extra unpaid leave as they need the additional income - not for luxury items but just to help keep their families afloat," the AWU's Give parental leave a Fair Go argues in a submission to the Productivity Commission argues.

Daddy Days must be included

• Support the campaign for decent Paternity Leave - join the AWU today

" We encourage the Productivity Commission to consider a plan which will eventually see Australian mothers and fathers able to access parental leave programs that would involve 26 weeks maternity leave and 2 weeks paternity leave.

" Thus, allowing for the full post natal recovery of the mother without placing undue financial and emotional burdens on the family unit, while allowing the father time to assist in early childhood bonding and development."

Download more info:
[ Get a player/reader here ]