FED: Metals union pushes for 14 week paid maternity leave scheme

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FED: Metals union pushes for 14 week paid maternity leave scheme

The male-dominated metal industry will push for a 14-week paid maternity leave planfor its female workmates.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union has launched its national 14-week paidmaternity leave campaign -- on the same day as Sex Discrimination Commissioner PRU GOWARDreleases a report on a national paid maternity leave scheme.

Ms GOWARD'S report contains a proposed model for a paid maternity leave scheme and costings.

But with a national scheme not yet a reality, the AMWU hopes it can at least securebenefits for 250,000 women working in the manufacturing industry.

Only 15 per cent of the AMWU's female members have access to any form of paid maternity leave.

AAP RTV nd/nf/dl/rk

KEYWORD: MATERNITY AMWU (SYDNEY)