Blokey union seeks baby leave for dads (Australia)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/blokey-union-seeks-baby-leave-for-dads/2008/05/12/1210444339486.html

Ben Schneiders
May 13, 2008
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MEN should get four weeks' paid leave when they becomes fathers to better reflect changing social values, a male-dominated union says.

"The old days where the male only had a beer and handed out cigars, I think that's well and truly gone," said John Sutton, national secretary of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union.

"The males do want to be involved, particularly in those early weeks where the woman is under tremendous pressure."

Mr Sutton will today address a Melbourne hearing of a Productivity Commission inquiry into the issue of paid parental leave and will argue for generous provisions for both men and women.

University of South Australia Professor Barbara Pocock said it was important that paid paternity leave should not be forgotten in the debate.

"It's very, very important and it's really good to see a male-dominated union, which has won significant gains historically on working time, giving particular attention to its members who are fathers," she said.

Professor Pocock said research showed that a growing number of men in their 20s and 30s now expect to be more involved in child-rearing than in previous generations.

FULL story at link.