Paid Leave for Domestic Violence survivors ‘a basic workers’ right’

TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has called on the Government to facilitate Sinn Féin’s Domestic Violence Leave Bill, saying that paid leave for people affected by domestic violence is an important workers’ right. The Organisation of Working Time (Domestic Violence Leave) Bill 2019 would give survivors of domestic violence a statutory entitlement to paid leave for 10 days. This would enable workers to attend medical appointments, legal hearings or time off to deal with logistical issues such as moving house.
 
Teachta Crowe said: “Women can’t wait for the government to take action on gender-based violence. Paid leave for people affected by domestic violence is an important workers’ right. Domestic violence is a workplace issue. “Workers affected by this violence should know that, if they need to, they can take paid leave to attend medical appointments, legal hearings or any other appointments incurred by abuse. They deserve to know that support will be there from their employer if they require it.
 
“I am calling on all Oireachtas representatives to back this legislation and ensure that paid leave for domestic violence becomes a reality. “The coalition’s Programme for Government contains a pledge to ‘investigate’ the possibility of creating this right. That isn’t good enough. Our legislation is here; it is fully drafted and sets out in a deliverable and detailed way how this much-needed change can be achieved.
 
“The government cannot hide behind this vague promise in the Programme for Government, which has now been gathering dust for almost two years while they have failed to treat it with the urgency it needs. The solutions are there and if we work together, we can ensure they make a real change.  “If we are serious about eliminating violence against women and sending the clear message that such crimes are unacceptable, we need more than just empty words. Women can’t wait any longer for these important rights.”