CFMEU FOREST & FOREST PRODUCTS DIVISION NATIONAL POLICY ON BREAST FEEDING AND WORK ENDORSED BY THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE 7th March 2001 This document sets out the Policy of the CFMEU FOREST & FOREST PRODUCTS DIVISION for the information of all Members, Officials, Officals and Satff. Included with this Policy is an introduction, which provides a background for the reading and application of the Policy. This Policy is binding on all CMEU FOREST & FOREST PRODUCTS DIVISION Members, Officials, Officers and Staff. Any queries about the Policy should be directed to the Branch or National Office. Introduction The CFMEU Forest & Furnishing Products Division recognises the important and natural role of breastfeeding and encourages the unique physical and emotional bond between mother and infant to continue. Aim of the Policy The aim of the Policy is to reassure women that they work in an environment that is supportive and understanding to their family and paid work responsibilities. Background Although breastfeeding and work have not always been viewed in unison, the changing composition in the workforce, in particular the rising number of women employed both within the organisation and industry and increased flexibility at work has heightened the need to view them as a compatible, desirable and necessary combination. Research evidence shows that returning to a workplace that does not support breastfeeding at work plays a significant factor in a woman's decision to wean her baby thus reducing the many health and physiological benefits for mother and infant. Therefore the CFMEU Forest & Furnishing Products Division believes it is necessary for industry to implement structures and policies to support the combination of work and breastfeeding that encourages women to consider continuing to breastfeed after returning to work. Benefits to Breastfeeding at Work Numerous studies conducted in recent time's show that the encouragement and support of breastfeeding at work would bring gains in productivity for the employer based on the following: Employees are more likely to return to the paid workforce from maternity leave, ensuring the employer does not lose skilled and experience staff reducing employee turnover; Greater loyalty and respect for their employer, enhancing morale and personal satisfaction and pleasure in the commitment they have to their baby and their job; Reduced absenteeism and time-off among fathers and mothers to care for their sick children based on research that breastfed babies are less likely to become ill; The benefits reflect the positive contribution breastfeeding at work can achieve for mother, baby, employer and community. Lactation Breaks The CFMEU Forest & Furnishing Products Division acknowledges an essential component of combining breastfeeding and work is the allocation of time to do so during the course of the day. It is also recognised that the number of times a woman needs to express milk or breastfeed her baby is determined by the baby's age, with a younger baby requiring more feeds. Further, there are a number of factors involved when determining whether a woman will express milk or breastfeed in lactation breaks. For example: If the child is cared for in a work based or local child care service she may want to visit her child on demand or scheduled feeding times. Similarly, the child's carer (partner or day carer) may bring the baby to the mother. Where access to her child is not possible, the woman will be able to express milk at work to enable the child to be fed by the carer. Lactation breaks in a women's day in terms of paid time, staff relief etc, will be determined by the Branch Secretary on an individual basis. Facilities To ensure a woman is comfortably expressing milk or breastfeeding at work, Branches will ensure they have suitable facilities. Branches will provide the following: Clean, private, lockable area Comfortable seating and power point access Facilities for washing hands and equipment Adequate refrigeration and freezer space for the storage of milk And Lockable storage facilities such as cupboard, locker, desk for the breast pump and other equipment. Support for Breastfeeding Mothers at Work The level of success for a workplace that introduces breastfeeding at work is also dependent on how well informed other employees are within that environment. A supportive work environment that displays a respect for the woman and her particular needs increases the level of success. Therefore the Union will ensure relevant information covering breastfeeding at work and other similar issues will be made available and easily accessible to all employees to assist in the education process. CFMEU Forest & Furnishing Products Division & Industry The CFMEU Forest & Furnishing Products Division will ensure that breastfeeding at work is not only implemented within the Union organisation but is addressed within the Industry for the benefit of members, in particular women members, through Industry structures and policy. The Union undertakes to ensure: A Breastfeeding at Work policy is developed and implemented including requirement guidelines for breastfeeding women Flexible options are available There is a specific contact person – OHS Rep, Nurse Preparation of the workforce before the Mother's return All employees are informed on the benefits of the breastfeeding at work through training and presentations The work environment is supportive Supporting employees wishing to combine breastfeeding at work can be achieved for little cost to the employer. Resources Nursing Mother's Association of Australia National Headquarters 5 Glendale SA (PO Box 231) Nunawading VIC 3131 Ph: 03 9877 5011 Fax: 03 9894 3270 State contact numbers New South Wales 02 9639 8686 ACT & South NSW 06 9258 8928 Victoria 03 9878 3304 Queensland 07 3844 6488 South Australia 08 8339 6783 Western Australia 08 8309 5393 Tasmania 03 6223 2609 Northern Territory 08 8988 4616