The long struggle of Australian workers to win rights at work on paid maternity leave finally succeeding. Finally, the government-funded paid maternity leave scheme covering the majority of Australian women and their families.

This government-funded scheme will provide the primary carer with 18 weeks post-natal leave, paid at the adult federal minimum wage (currently $543.78 per week). Paid Parental Leave will help Australian families find a better balance between work and caring responsibilities and will allow mothers to spend vital time with their newborn babies. Under the government funded scheme parents will be paid 18 weeks leave at the minimum wage from January 2011. The scheme is a huge step forward for all mothers and especially for low and middle-income earners who generally have less access to employer-funded parental leave schemes. (Source: AWU)

ACTU President Sharan Burrow says the paid parental leave to be announced comes after 30 years of campaigning by women across Australia. She said the 18 week paid leave was about “dignity and respect for women”. She again said “If you are an older mum like me, then it’s a present for your daughters and granddaughters - because this is all about dignity and respect for women” (source: World News)

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The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) launched a special new video on maternity protection aims to bring public attention to the problems faced by women workers in balancing work and activities at home and in the community.

Making maternity protection a reality by ensuring that government and employers apply the standard in practice and this become the central campaign for unions. Especially for young workers, it is important that maternity protection in the world of work is a priority to ensure women’s rights to safe maternity, this can be achieved through negotiating better protections in collective agreements.

Join the global campaign to promote maternity protection in your country in accordance to ILO Convention 183 on maternity protection, together with its accompanying Recommendation No. 191. Click ITUC video on maternity protection to watch the video.