Unions Secure 10 Days Domestic Violence Leave for 2.6 Million Workers

This week the Fair Work Commission handed down an in-principle decision that provides 10 days paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave (FDV leave) to over 2.6 million workers covered by modern awards.

This historic decision is the culmination of many years of advocacy and campaigning by unions and community organisations to better protect women experiencing family violence so they don’t have to make a choice between their salary or their safety.

Professionals Australia has successfully negotiated paid FDV leave in Enterprise Bargaining Agreements for our members and we are pleased the Fair Work Commission has recognised the need to extend paid FDV leave to award reliant employees.

However, there are still millions of workers who won’t have access to this protection unless it is included in the National Employment Standards (NES) under the Fair Work Act.

The next Federal Government will have to decide whether to extend paid FDV leave to all workers covered by the NES.

Anthony Albanese, leader of the Labor Party has committed to including paid FDV leave in the NES and Professionals Australia calls on the Prime Minister Scott Morrison to match this commitment.

If you have any questions about how this announcement affects you or what your access to paid FDV leave is, call Professionals Australia on 1300 273 762.