Mat Leave Win for Country Energy

Date: 21 August 2001

In a significant victory for female rural workers and their families, Country Energy responded to the Municipal Employees Union claim for an Award provision of Paid Maternity Leave announcing to the Award Negotiating Committee today that employees will receive 12 weeks Paid Maternity Leave.

The MEU, which represents workers in the energy industry, made a claim for the inclusion of Paid Maternity Leave provisions while negotiating a new Award for Country Energy members. According to MEU General Secretary Brian Harris this is a progressive step forward for rural workers. "There has been no provision for Paid Maternity Leave for these workers before so this is a fantastic result which puts rural workers ahead of their city counterparts."

MEU Energy Organiser Susan Page who led the negotiations for Paid Maternity Leave believes that this decision proves that Country Energy values the work done by their female employees. "Country Energy obviously knows that it is important to keep skilled employees in the workforce," said Ms Page who applauds Country Energy on their co-operative approach on this issue.

The new Award provisions include 12 weeks paid maternity leave or 24 weeks on half pay and will commence when the Award is ratified.

The MEU is also campaigning for Paid Maternity Leave provisions for local government workers. Brian Harris has urged the Local Government and Shires Association to follow the lead of Country Energy in ensuring that female workers have access to Paid Maternity Leave.

For inquiries please contact MEU Organiser (Energy) Susan Page on (02) 9265 8211 or 0419 761 324.

For further information

Contact:	Brian Harris
Union:	Municipal Employees Union
Phone:	(02) 9265 8211
Fax:	(02) 9261 2265
Email:	help@meu.org.au
WWW:	http://www.meu.org.au

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