Pregnancy discrimination: how far have we really come?

To those assisting women accessing parental leave and family friendly working conditions, the findings of the "National Review on discrimination related to pregnancy, parental leave and return to work" are not surprising.

• almost one in two (49 per cent) mothers reported discrimination in the workplace at some point during pregnancy, parental leave or on return to work
• more than a quarter (27 per cent) of mothers reported discrimination in the workplace during pregnancy
• almost a third (32 per cent) of mothers reported discrimination in the workplace when they requested or took parental leave
• more than a third (35 per cent) reported discrimination when returning to work after parental leave (34 per cent related to family responsibilities and 8 per cent related to breast-feeding or expressing milk).

While Education Queensland has very good provisions in place, the reality is that well-intentioned decision makers and HR staff unfamiliar with these provisions provide inaccurate information and advice.  This can escalate stress and cause unnecessary dramas.  Women in insecure employment are particularly at risk. Part-time policy is also excellent, but the message in schools often doesn’t marry the policy.

An alarming number of women still struggle to have their pregnancies supported.  Our profession is a feminised one and we need to remain acutely aware of workforce obligations and fair treatment. The QTU regularly advocates for women and their partners who experience unfair treatment at work or are provided with unclear advice regarding what provisions are available to them. 

If you need further information regarding paid and unpaid parental leave, part-time work and discrimination, please contact QTAD. The full report is available on the QTU website.

Penny Spalding
Assistant Secretary - Women's and Social Welfare Issues

Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 119 No 4, 23 May 2014, p25