This International Women's Day on 8 March we reflect on the way ASU members are working to improve income security for women and joining global campaigns to address violence against women.
ASU members gathered with other community citizens in all states this year, to dance together for an end to violence against women on 14 February 2013. Men and women danced in response to the unacceptable fact that one billion women (one in three) will be raped or beaten in their lifetime and to raise awareness, a million women dancing is a revolution.
Violence at home can have a significant impact on a person's working life and equally, the workplace is often the most important place a person has opportunity to gain greater control over life circumstances. Ludo McFerran and Robyn Dale, from the Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse, speak regularly to unions about how we can play a role in the campaign against domestic violence. Beginning with clauses in agreements, unions seek paid leave and flexible working arrangements.
In Victoria and Tasmania, the Authorities and Services Branch recently celebrated the first Tasmanian local government to adopt a Family Violence clause. Two years on from the first ASU negotiated and world-best standard Family Violence Clause at Surf Coast Shire Council in Victoria, agreements at councils and other organisations throughout Australia increasingly accept the clause.
ASU officials have bargained some of the best clauses in Australia. Good examples include Mornington Peninsula Shire Council (Victoria) and Essential Energy (NSW) employees who now have unlimited Domestic & Family Violence Leave.
ASU agreements feature paid Domestic & Family Violence Leave entitlements at 21 local councils in 5 states and territories and the clauses feature in bargaining in the social and community services, electricity and water, and finance sectors.
Branch officials continue to ensure the full complement of domestic and family violence entitlements are progressed, as endorsed by the ACTU: "Pay inequity, job insecurity and violence equals trifecta of discrimination for women"
The ASU also supports the push to amend the Fair Work Act to include entitlements for workers suffering family violence.
IWD videos
International Women's Day Message to Union Women
International Women's Day 2013
Local IWD activities
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