The University of Wollongong is among the first employers in the Illawarra to offer special leave to staff who are victims of domestic violence.
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After year-long negotiations with the National Tertiary Education Union, professional non-academic staff at UOW experiencing domestic violence are now able to access sick and family leave provisions with extra leave available if required.
"The University of Wollongong strives to provide staff with work-life balance and a compassionate working environment," UOW Vice-Chancellor Paul Wellings said.
"The explicit recognition of domestic violence as a qualifier for leave entitlement is an important step forward in supporting the many Australians affected."
It is understood negotiations are close to being finalised.
"The NTEU were among the first unions to lead a campaign for domestic violence leave. This kind of leave allows them to seek accommodation, get counselling, attend court and do what they need to do in a crisis situation," NTEU UOW branch organiser Martin Cubby said.
"We believe ... that employers will see a productivity gain by ensuring staff can efficiently deal with these issues before coming back to work."
Meantime, Australian of the Year Rosie Batty has joined the Australian Council of Trade Unions campaign to help victims of domestic violence access leave from work.
Ms Batty has offered her support for the ACTU's claim with the Fair Work Commission to give four million workers covered by an award access to 10 days paid domestic violence leave for permanent staff and 10 days unpaid leave for casuals.