New provisions in ERA may introduce menstrual leave

New provisions in ERA may introduce menstrual leave

By Rashika Kumar
Thursday 16/01/2025

New provisions in the Employment Relations Act, aimed at enhancing protection for women in the workplace, could allow women to use three out of the 10 days of sick leave if they are suffering due to menstruation, take leave if they suffer a miscarriage, and have access to more days of maternity leave.

Acting Director of Labour Standards Service, Daniel Tagivakatini, highlighted this during a public consultation on the Employment Relations Act at the Nausori Market.

While acknowledging that it is not an illness, Tagivakatini says specific days for menstruation leave should be considered, though this is something they will examine further.

He further says a new provision will also provide leave for women who suffer a miscarriage where a woman can receive up to three working days of leave if a miscarriage occurs between the zero and 12th week of pregnancy.

Tagivakatini says if a miscarriage occurs between the 13th and 23rd week, the woman can receive seven days of leave, while maternity leave provisions will apply if a miscarriage occurs after the 24th week.

He also says nursing mothers could receive a 30-minute paid daily rest period, but its implementation will depend on the workplace policy.

The Acting Director further says women can get up to six months of maternity leave, although only the first three months will be paid.

He adds that women may take an additional three months of unpaid leave if they or their baby experience complications.

However, Tagivakatini says after this period, the employer will have the prerogative to terminate the contract if the woman is unable to fulfill her duties under the contract.

Public consultations on the Employment Relations Act and the Work Care Bill 2024 will continue at the Suva Civic Centre from 9am to midday and at the Namosi Provincial Council Hall from 3pm to 6pm tomorrow.

FEATURE NEWS
2013 Constitution needs to be reviewed —Prof. Prasad
Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says the 2013 Constitution has been subject to widespread criticism. Speakin...
53 minutes ago
LATEST NEWS
UniFiji to launch Cadet Programme with RFMF support
In a trailblazing move to ensure that its students have the opportunity to participate in the Cadet Programme, previously available only in some high ...
2 minutes ago

Reverend Tugi to appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan at 7pm today
The General Secretary of Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, Reverend Simione Tugi will appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan at 7pm ...
2 hours ago

Police seek assistance in locating 15-year-old Angelina Madhavan
Police are seeking assistance in locating 15-year-old Angelina Madhavan who was reported missing at the Valelevu Police Station. Madhavan was last ...
2 hours ago

Brad Pitt arrives in New Zealand before heading to Queenstown for Heart of the Beast filming
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt has flown into Auckland this week, before he sets off to film in Queenstown and Milford Sound. Sources told the ...
3 hours ago

2 new CT scan machines for CWM Hospital, first machine installed today – Dr Lalabalavu
Good news as the Ministry of Health is getting two new CT scan machines for CWM Hospital. A CT scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a ...
16 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
World Radio Day
Radio remains one of the best mediums for news and information for a number of reasons and in situations such as natural disasters and political ...
6 days ago

Health Minister Dr Lalabalavu on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Health Minister, Doctor Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
14 days ago

PM Rabuka on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan. The in-depth interview will focus on many issues facing the ...
18 days ago

TOP