The Health Services Union (HSU) is calling for 12 days of reproductive leave to support workers experiencing menopause and other reproductive health challenges.
On World Menopause Day, The HSU is advocating for this critical workplace reform to address the often overlooked impact of menopause on employees' health and productivity.
Reproductive health leave would cover IVF, severe menstrual pain, endometriosis, vasectomies, menopause, gender transitioning therapies and other health issues.
The HSU's campaign calls on the Federal Government to make the 12-day entitlement part of the national employment standards, which set minimum conditions for workers.
HSU National Senior Assistant Secretary Kate Marshall said:
"Menopause is a natural stage of life that affects half the population, yet it remains a taboo subject at workplaces.
"Too many workers suffer in silence, afraid to speak up about the physical and emotional toll menopause takes on them.
"Women are being forced into early retirement with less superannuation because they can't take time off to deal with menopause.
"We need to break the silence and the stigma around these issues.
"Introducing 12 days of reproductive leave is an essential step toward ensuring that our workplaces are more inclusive, supportive, and healthy."
