PAID DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LEAVE SAVES LIVES Five cents a day per worker: that’s all it would cost employers for 10 days’ family and domestic violence leave to be implemented across Australia. The figure was a key statistic raised during a Hunter Workers rally at Newcastle’s Civic Park in December to mark the end of its 16 Days of Activism campaign and its call for paid family and domestic violence leave. Attendees at the rally heard from speakers including Newcastle Federal MP Sharon Claydon, community sector worker Teanile Grant, Hunter Worker’s secretary Leigh Shears, and RTBU Vice President Leanne Holmes. Leanne, who also chairs Hunter Workers’ women’s committee, says that, on average, one woman is killed in Australia every week as a result of intimate-partner violence. The financial cost of escaping that violence is estimated to be around $18,000, which is out of reach of most women at that critical time. Leanne said being able to hold down a job is vital for domestic violence victims, as many women are forced to return to their abuser if they can’t financially support themselves. “Paid family and domestic violence leave literally saves lives,” Leanne said. “Within our union we actively bargain for paid family and domestic violence
STOP PRESS
The RTBU and other unions negotiating to get a number are of domestic violence-related pro visions included in the new Trains and NSW Trains EnSydney terprise Agreement. These provisions include:
» 10 days of paid domestic
and family violence leave and the support of a nominated person at work;
» a requirement for em-
ployers to regularly check the employee’s electronic devices have not been installed with any tracking, listening or other surveillance devices; and » training and counselling on gendered violence in the workplace to be provided to all new employees.
escaping. But doing nothing often leaves them trapped. leave in our enterprise agreements, and we and other unions have been quite successful. “But we are asking the Federal Government to put it in the National Employment Standards, so all workers have access to 10 day’s paid leave. It would be very inexpensive and wouldn’t cost employers much – a mere 5 cents per worker per day.” Leanne said that providing survivors with direct support through their employer, in the form paid leave, increases their chances of holding down their job long-term and successfully
“For women in this situation, their job is the first thing to go,” Leanne said. “They are forced to use up their sick leave, any other leave they have, then they lose their job. “Then, not only do they end up with no income, they are often forced to stay with the abuser. “Ten days’ paid leave would give them a buffer. It would give them the time to move out, go to court, and deal with all the other stuff. “And not only does it mean they continue in meaningful employment, it also means the business will retain qualified and skilled workers.”
(from RTBU TRANSPORT NOW, January 2022)
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RAIL & ROAD March 2022
