Fórsa has welcomed a Government commitment to introduce paid leave for survivors of domestic violence under the a new Work-Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022.
Last week’s announcement came just four months after Fórsa’s national conference pledged to campaign for similar supports.
The legislation will also introduce measures aimed at improving family-friendly work practices and supporting women in the workforce. They include a right to request flexible working arrangements for caring purposes and the extension of the current entitlement to breastfeeding breaks from six months to two years.
Once enacted, those who are suffering or at risk of domestic violence will be entitled to five days of paid leave each year. The Government has also pledged to help employers provide better support for employees experiencing domestic violence.
The head of Fórsa’s Health and Welfare division Ashley Connolly, who has led the union’s campaign, described the new legislation as a very significant breakthrough.
Ashley, who first established the issue on the national negotiating agenda in the health sectors, said that these measures were necessary because people living with, or escaping from domestic abuse, are far more likely to have several urgent and important appointments to attend.
“Victims have ended up taking unpaid leave, using annual leave, or even missing work and risking losing the very job that gets them out of an abusive situation, if only for a few hours each day. This overdue legislation will go a long way to support survivors as they navigate a pathway out of abuse,” she said.
Earlier this year delegates at the Fórsa national conference unanimously backed a conference motion from the union’s national executive calling for statutory paid leave for victims of domestic violence.
“This is a deeply personal issue for our members. Last May delegates bravely spoke about their personal experience of domestic violence and the message form our members is loud and clear – workplace supports must be available to survivors,” she said.
Although the trade union movement had advocated for ten days leave per year, as recommended by Women’s Aid, the Bill includes a review within two years. Consideration will be given to increasing the entitlement to ten days leave.
“Victims of abuse should feel supported in their workplace, which is often a place of safety for them. We must support them,” said Ashley.
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