Abstract:
Using current enterprise agreement data, this paper evaluates outcomes for paid
maternity and paternity leave in Australia and considers the presence of 'equality
bargaining' in Australia. We find that the incidence of paid maternity leave clauses
in bargained agreements is higher than in previous years and is higher still than
the incidence of paid paternity leave clauses, although neither is widespread.
Further, we note the existence of a new bargaining norm for paid maternity leave
of 14 weeks, distinct sectoral patterns in paid maternity and paternity leave clauses
and the possible emergence of an equality bargaining agenda. On the eve of the
introduction of a national leave paid parental leave scheme, the results presented
in this paper provide a benchmark for future comparison and evaluation.