Unions NSW petition in support of 6 months paid maternity/primary carer leave

Executive, 26 May 2008

Report adopted

Unions NSW through the Unions NSW Women's Committee of which the PSA is an active participant, developed a petition to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the Productivity Commission in support of 6 months paid maternity/primary carers leave.

The Petition calls for:

• 6 months paid leave as it is essential to help families achieve a work life balance, in line with World Health Organisations Recommendations on breastfeeding.

• Available to all mothers or primary careers regardless of their employment status of mode of employment.

• A legislated government funded scheme at minimum wages.

• Full wage replacement (top up) funded by an employer contribution scheme.

The petition was launched on 29 April 2008 and will be submitted to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the Productivity Commission in September 2008 to coincide with the public hearings of the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Paid Parental Leave.

The PSA has begun distribution of the petition. To date 351 signatures have been collected.

Editor's note: Print out and sign the petition