Right now the Rudd Government is looking to drop paid maternity leave from 2009′s federal budget. Opinion polls, talk back radio and letters to editor clearly show time after time that Australians support government-funded paid maternity leave. From the YRAW campaign.
The DPM’s own experts, the Productivity Commission, has said that government-funded paid maternity leave is good for the economy, good for employers and good for families.
We know from our own research and from what you’ve told us, mums need time to recover from their pregnancy and birth; and time to bond with their newborn and adjusting to motherhood. We also know that the cost of government-funded paid maternity leave is a drop in the ocean in terms of budget items. But it has such an important role in securing Australia’s workforces and future economic growth and prosperity.
Some quick facts and figures about Paid Maternity Leave:
* Employers with Paid Maternity Leave schemes have a return-to-work rate approaching 90%
*45% of Australia’s full-time workforce are women
*60% of Bachelor degree students are women
*Treasury estimates a growth of 2.5% in labour participation rates
*60% of families with dependents under 15 have both adults in paid employment and rely on both incomes to make ends meet
*Research shows women need time to recover from giving birth and to bond with their newborn.
Now there’s a perfect opportunity for the Rudd Labor Government to deliver on this important right at work.
Recognition of the contribution women make to Australia’s workforce, and the subsequent damage done to the economy by losing women from the workforce or forcing them back into the workforce too early after giving birth, has been a long time coming.
And it’s an important issue – like it was during 2007′s federal election.
But to make sure that the Government understands just how important this is to you, your friends, your family and your co-workers, we urgently need your help.
What you can do right now? Get involved in the Your Rights at Work campaign
http://www.rightsatwork.com.au/paidmaternityleave
One of the most important ways you can help right now is by telling your family, friends and co-workers that you support putting paid maternity leave in the 2009 Federal Budget.
We’re going to share the videos we receive for the digital petition at the Rights at Work YouTube Channel subscribe to the Rights at Work Channel and get updates sent directly to y
* Tell your local MP or Senator what a difference a national paid maternity leave scheme would make to you, your family or community
* Make your voice heard by calling into your local talkback show or write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper about this issue.
* Get involved in union campaigns and public events promoting a paid maternity leave scheme
* Talk with your work colleagues and family and friends about the need for a paid maternity leave scheme
* Contact the Union Hotline on 1300 362 223 if you are experiencing problems at work
* Be active through your union – strong unions are the best way to protect your rights at work and improve your wages and conditions.
If you are not already a union member call the Unions Australia hotline on 1300 4 UNION (1300 486 466).
More information
Contact: Chloe Gaul, Giulia Baggio, Alex Schlotzer or Belinda Tkalcevic on (03) 9664 7333
ACTU Your Rights at Work
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