What began in 1970 as the Family Planning Alliance of South Australia continues to lead the way advancing workplace conditions, thanks to an ANMF (SA Branch)-negotiated Enterprise Agreement that has introduced several progressive new provisions.
Nurses and midwives at the organisation, now known as the Sexual Health Information Networking and Education South Australia (SHINE SA), are celebrating the new Enterprise Agreement (EA), which for the first time, includes paid leave for gender affirmation, surrogacy and in the event of stillbirth.
Menstruation leave has also been included to the agreement, recognising that nursing and midwifery are female-dominated professions. Members at ShineSA can now access six days paid leave per annum for healthcare needs relating to painful periods, or due to symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
ANMF (SA Branch) members played an active role in negotiation meetings, and consultations leading up to the successful agreement making process.
Sexual health nurse and ANMF (SA Branch) member Kelly Vernon (pictured) was among the enthusiastic members who sat at the bargaining table.
“It was important to me because reproductive conditions affect a huge majority of the nursing workforce,” Kelly said. “Having experienced the debilitating effects of these conditions and having many colleagues who have also experienced similar it is wonderful to work for an organisation that recognises this and is providing real support to the workforce.
“This is a positive step forward in bridging the gender pay gap.”
The collaborative approach aligns with the important work Shine SA nurses and midwives do in providing inclusive and safe care to the South Australian community.
Clinics, both in person and via phone, are staffed by ANMF members who provide sexual and reproductive health advice to people from diverse cultures, sexual orientations, genders, sexes and abilities.
Recent initiatives include a pilot program for a cervical self-screening, supported via the telephone helpline.
The continuing professional development of nurses and midwives has also been considered in the comprehensive offering of education and training available through Shine SA.
Kelly said she hopes many of these new conditions are just the beginning for further changes and improvement.
ANMF (SA Branch) Director, Nursing & Midwifery, Professional Practice Adj Associate Professor Jackie Wood highlighted this achievement as a powerful example of how union members can drive meaningful changes within their organisations.
“ANMF (SA Branch) members played a pivotal role in these negotiations, working closely with their employer to secure an Enterprise Agreement that prioritises the wellbeing of all staff,” Professor Wood said.
“Leave entitlements such as menstruation, stillbirth, surrogacy and gender affirmation, are becoming increasingly recognised by employers. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the need to support diverse and inclusive workforces, ensuring a more equitable workplace for all.”
Authors:
Erica Visser is a Senior Media and Communications Manager with the South Australian Branch of the ANMF
Justina Beltrame is an Industrial Officer with the South Australian Branch of the ANMF
