The university workers’ union is demanding up to 30 days of gender-affirmation leave across the nation’s campuses for staff who are gender transitioning.
In the midst of a dispute with the University of Tasmania, the National Tertiary Education Union says staff transitioning have not been given enough time to deal with the medical issues they face.
The University of Tasmania has rejected the union’s demand and is instead offering 10 days of special leave for all staff.
“Our aim is to expand access to paid leave for our people, for those defining their gender or undergoing a gender transition, as well as for those who need to access paid leave for other reasons,” a University of Tasmania spokesman said.
“Negotiations on this, and other matters, are continuing.”
The union says almost 1000 signatures have been obtained for a petition to demand the University of Tasmania “treat trans and gender diverse staff properly”, declaring that 10 days is not “commensurate to the needs of workers”.
Queer Unionists in Tertiary Education national convener Amy Sargeant says gender affirmation leave will save the lives of tertiary education workers.
“There are too many stories of incredible workers who have had to quit their jobs while they’re transitioning because they are not supported,” Ms Sargeant said.
“The consequences can be too difficult to bear for many, deprived of income during a highly traumatic time in their lives – which they have no control over.”
“When gender affirmation leave clauses start to appear in our agreements, they will be used by unions across Australia as the benchmark for other industries.”
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