Workplace discrimination based on pregnancy and caring responsibilities remains prevalent in Australia.
A new report by the Australian Human Rights Commission said that despite new legal protections there was a significant gap between workers’ rights and their everyday experiences.
Discrimination was still occurring when workers disclosed a pregnancy, took or returned from parental leave, breastfed or expressed milk, requested flexible work or managed caring responsibilities.
Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody said everyone had the right to be supported at work as they cared for their family.
“No one should be forced to choose between earning a living and caring for children and family members who need them,” she said
“Workers told us about losing shifts and opportunities, being denied promotions, being made redundant in questionable circumstances, and struggling to access the flexibility needed to care.
“The consequences can be profound: affecting people’s financial independence, career progression, mental health and family wellbeing.”
Dr Cody said women bore the brunt of the behaviour but men in caring roles also experienced discrimination.
“Workers of many marginalised backgrounds, including migrants and refugees, are overrepresented in casual, insecure and temporary work,” Dr Cody said.
“Workers told us they were afraid to disclose a pregnancy or request flexibility out of fear of losing shifts, income or their visa status.”
The report calls for the removal of the requirement of 12 months of continuous service to access unpaid parental leave and greater access to parental leave in foster, kinship and grandparent care situations.
“People should not be discouraged by their managers from taking parental leave because it’s a ‘career ender’, or be overlooked, ostracised or forced out of work because they are starting a family or caring for a sick parent,” Dr Cody said.
“We know what needs to change. Caring is an important part of life, and our workplaces should reflect that.”
The full report is here
