In the belief that Australian employers are continuing to break the law, the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has set up a confidential pregnancy discrimination hotline.
ACTU president Ged Kearney said employers were flouting laws that made discrimination illegal and causing tens of thousands of women significant hardship through the loss of incomes and the undervaluing of their work.
“I’m still gobsmacked by the number of employers who are willing to break the law and act against the rights of their female employees. Australia has a significant way to go before we can say there’s equality between men and women,” Ged Kearney said.
“Many women feel alone and unsure about how to respond when the culture in their workplace is one that tolerates discrimination on the grounds of pregnancy. We know this culture is so strong that many women quit just to avoid the expected outcome.”
According to the ACTU, 67,000 Australian women have experienced some form of discrimination stemming from their pregnancy. One-in-10 received inappropriate or negative comments from their manager or supervisor. One-in-15 missed out on an opportunity for promotion, training or development opportunities.
Ged Kearney says unions also know that workplaces are making it harder for workers with caring responsibilities when they refuse requests for more balanced work arrangements.
The Pregnancy Discrimination Hotline is: 1300 364 024
“This hotline will give women advice about their rights and the steps they can take to protect themselves, report the discrimination and try to get a fair go,” said Ged Kearney. “Bias of any kind is abhorrent but when it’s against 50 per cent of the population and for something like child birth then we need to send a strong message.”
What you can do about pregnancy discrimination
The ACTU recommends women who think they are being discriminated against because of their pregnancy take the following steps:
1. Talk to your co-workers. You’re probably not alone;
2. Call your union if you are a member;
3. Keep a diary on every conversation;
4. Correspond with your employer in writing;
5. Call the Pregnancy Discrimination Hotline on 1300 364 024 to find out your rights because discrimination is illegal.