Workers at Futuris Automotive Interiors in South Australia can now benefit from a breakthrough maternity clause negotiated by the AMWU.  

Organiser Scott Batchelor said the new agreement, reached prior to the introduction of the new Government Paid Parental Leave scheme (PPL) on January 1st this year, was a significantly better deal for workers. 

“It’s a great result. The majority of workers will receive an increase in their maternity leave payment. It will mean they receive their full salary for 18 weeks, because Futuris will top up the minimum wages paid by the Government. 

“For fathers wanting to take parental leave, the clause will provide them with an increase from a few days to a week of paid leave too.” 

According to Mr Batchelor the new clause grew from previous provisions for maternity leave.

“Maternity leave was once calculated according to how many years an employee had served with the company, capped to 12 weeks. It would only begin once you’d worked at least two years. 

“However with this new clause, a mother will now be eligible for a topped up 18 weeks paid leave after two years.“

Site delegate Megan Black said the workers were proud of achieving the new clause. 

“I think it’s a fairer system for everyone. Getting rid of the cap will ensure the younger workers at Futuris aren’t disadvantaged because they haven’t accrued enough service.

“Under the new clause they will be able to fully utilise the Government’s scheme and have the company top it up.”  

She said a number of women would soon benefit. 

“Over the next six months several are expecting children, including our other delegate Danial and his partner. He gets time off too. That couple of extra days means a lot.“