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Winter 2003

Test case bid for Working Parents

Working mothers who cannot return to full time jobs after maternity leave would no longer lose their jobs under an ACTU test case lodged recently.

The Work and Family Test Case will seek a new right for working mothers to switch to part time work after maternity leave.

Working parents could also take extra unpaid leave during school holidays, negotiate flexible start and finish times and take time off for family emergencies such as caring for sick children.

"Women wanting part time work often have no choice but casual jobs without any leave entitlements," ACTU President Sharan Burrow said.

"More than half of working mothers work part time, and two-thirds of those part time jobs are casual. Working mothers shouldn't be forced to go back into work as casuals."

"The ACTU 's Test Case will make it easier for people to be both good employees and good parents - at little or no cost to employers. The case would provide greater job security and reduce the career disadvantage experienced by many women."

The Australian Institute of Family Studies estimates 40% of working mothers have no leave entitlements and that 60% of mothers in full time jobs would prefer part time work.