As most Members would be aware, in the recent federal budget, the Abbott Government proposed removing the entitlement to government-funded paid parental leave (PPL) where employees also receive employer-paid parental leave.
The ability to access both Paid Parental Leave schemes has been described by some as “double dipping” and “a rort”. Notwithstanding the fact that the government scheme was specifically designed to complement the employer funded paid parental leave.
The proposal seeks to undo the good work done by Union Members in bargaining to achieve paid parental leave and then working to progressively improve the entitlement. It is also worth remembering that employer-funded paid parental leave was not ‘given’ by employers – it was fought for and won by Members in successive bargaining campaigns.
The VHPA strongly opposes this move by the Federal Coalition Government and is working with others to try to stop this change.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is currently working to identify Union Members who have an entitlement to employer-provided PPL and who would be negatively affected by the proposed change.
They are looking for employees currently on parental leave, who would assist the ACTU in this campaign – this might involve providing a statement for use in a case study or a range of other actions including speaking to the media and/or participating in delegations going to speak to members of parliament; this may involve a trip to Canberra for some.
If you are interested in being involved, please contact Linda Jenkin on 1300 322 917 or via email linda.jenkin@vahpa.asn.au.
ALL MEMBERS are invited to join the fight against these proposed changes by signing the ACTU petition via this link.