DH's work abolishing paternity leave - is that even legal?!

[Yarrawin]

Hi everyone,

Well, yesterday my husband came home and told me he had something to tell me that I wasn't going to like one bit - his work made a huge announcement that they are abolishing paternity leave!

This has gone down like a ton of bricks with us, given that we're expecting our first child in January 2011.

For starters, is this even legal? I thought that paternity leave was a legal right...

If someone can clarify for me I'd really appreciate it. Obviously if there's any way we can we'd like to fight his company on this.

[allycat06]

As far as I know it's legislation set by the federal government so workplaces can't have their own individual rules and regulations. It's one set for everyone.

Parental leave

Might be something useful in that link above.

[BrightSparkles]

I thought all employers had to give a min of one wks unpaid paternity leave?

[Yarrawin]

As far as I know it's legislation set by the federal government so workplaces can't have their own individual rules and regulations. It's one set for everyone.

Parental leave

Might be something useful in that link above.

Thanks for that - that's what I thought too but for some reason failed when I searched for it lol. Will go check it out now, thanks for the link.

[allycat06]

Sorry just looked through it and might not be what you are looking for. I know the 'parental' leave is law but perhaps not paternity. I know DH's work allowed 1 weeks unpaid pat leave but yeah this could be something that is set by the company.

[Roryrory]

Yeah, if they are abolishing "paid" leave then that is entirely legal. Unless it's in an existing individual contract or EBA....

[Jaycee]

Exactly what Rory said! A lot of companies will be doing this when the government scheme comes into affect, which really sux!

[Yarrawin]

Thanks girls. bit disappointed - I had it in my head that it was paid. what a pity.
It sounds like they're abolishing paid paternity leave.