'Menstruation leave must be separate from sick leave'

Menstruation leave should be separated from sick leave and recognised as a distinct workplace right for women.

This was highlighted by the Fiji Trade Union Congress National Congress (FTUC) Felix Anthony yesterday during hearings on the Employment Relations Bill.

Mr Anthony said the bill's provision allowing women to use three of their ten sick leave days for menstruation leave was inadequate and sent the wrong message.

"We don't believe menstruation is a sickness and it should be treated separately," Mr Anthony told the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs.

"This is a monthly occurrence. When we talk about women's rights, this must be recognised."

The bill currently allows women workers to take up to three days of their annual sick leave entitlement for menstruation-related issues, but Mr Anthony questioned what happens during other months.

"What happens to the other days? It's not that every woman suffers from it. Some don't, but some do and they're genuine about it," he said.

The congress had argued during tripartite consultations between unions, employers and government that menstruation leave should be a separate entitlement rather than deducted from sick leave.

Mr Anthony also raised concerns about the bill's provision requiring agreement between worker and employer on menstruation leave usage.

He said where collective agreements exist, unions should be included in any negotiations to change maternity or menstruation leave provisions.

The committee is conducting nationwide consultations until November 12 before finalising recommendations to Parliament.

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