The Australian Services Union (ASU) is reminding its members that 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave as a workplace right has now been enshrined in law.
“Now, 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave will be included in the National Employment Standards, meaning more than eight million workers will be able to access to this lifesaving leave,” the ASU said in a statement.
“Together, ASU members started and led the campaign for paid family and domestic violence leave for over a decade — it was ASU members at the Surf Coast Shire that first won the family and domestic violence leave entitlement,” the union said.
“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.”
The union said that as a result of the new legislation nearly every worker in Australia, including casual, part time and permanent workers, would have the security to leave a dangerous relationship.
“In coming months, we will work with members regarding the implementation of universal family and domestic violence leave, which will come into effect in 2023,” the ASU said.
The Fair Work Ombudsman said the National Employment Standards (NES) consisted of 11 minimum employment entitlements that have to be provided to all employees.
It said these were: Maximum weekly hours; Requests for flexible working arrangements; Offers and requests to convert from casual to permanent employment; Parental leave and related entitlements; Annual leave; Personal/carer’s leave, compassionate leave; and Unpaid family and domestic violence leave.
It also included: Community service leave; Long service leave; Public holidays; Notice of termination and redundancy pay; and Fair Work Information Statement, and Casual Employment Information Statement.
It said the right to paid family and domestic violence leave will be included in the amended NES.
