Breastfeeding award hearing date set

Date: 06 October 2009

A hearing date of 7 October 2009 has now been set for the PSA's application for a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Award.

The application for the "Crown Employees (Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace) Award 2009" was made when the PSA became aware that the Department of Premier and Cabinet were advising Government agencies that they are not required to adhere to existing policy.

The PSA is alarmed at the way members have been treated in relation to their breastfeeding needs and requests, with many reporting experiences of discomfort or embarrassment while others have experienced treatment which may well be discriminatory.

Some examples of the stories we have been told include:

• women breastfeeding in cars and in alleyways,
• women being denied the use of their own flex leave and other discretionary breaks for the purpose of breastfeeding,
• women having nowhere to store their expressed milk other than the communal staff fridge which can be an unhealthy space,
• women having nowhere private to wash their equipment,
• women being walked in on by colleagues while expressing milk,
• women being advised to use toilets or meeting rooms,
• women developing mastitis,
• women's milk drying up and being therefore forced to give up breastfeeding.

"We will consider opportunities to enhance assistance in building healthy family lifestyles commencing with ante-natal and post natal education, including advice on physical activity, good nutrition in pregnancy and the importance of breast-feeding to give children the best start in life".

"Seeking and gaining accreditation by the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) as a breastfeeding-friendly workplace" as a recommended action for NSW Public Sector Agencies."

It is clear to the PSA that an enforceable instrument is required to protect our members from the threat of discrimination and to ensure that the NSW Government agencies comply with Government policy.

For further information

Contact:	Maria Cirillo, Women's Industrial Officer
Union:	Public Service Association of NSW
Phone:	02 9220 0906
Email:	women@psa.asn.au
WWW:	http://www.psa.labor.net.au/

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