The ASU's success in negotiating the world's first enterprise agreement clause supporting victims of domestic violence in 2010 has been recognised in a recent academic study as an instance of achieving equality measures through bargaining.
The study by Professor Marian Baird of Sydney University considered the circumstances around the ASU's enterprise agreement with Surf Coast Council in Victoria in which the clause supporting victims of domestic violence was won.
With the assistance of a third party organisation considered a specialist in the field of domestic violence, the Australian Domestic & Family Violence Clearinghouse, the ASU was able to build a strong case for the inclusion of the clause in the enterprise agreement. Ultimately, it was considered a win for all, the workers, the employer and the Union.
Since 2010, similar clauses have been won in other agreements across the country and legislation has also been introduced to give victims of domestic violence a right to ask for flexible work arrangements.
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ASUnews archives
ASU bargains for world's best family violence provision in council enterprise agreement, 27 September 2010
ASU to launch and celebrate Australian-first Family Violence clause at Surf Coast Shire, 15 October 2010