Last week, SEIU-West Vice President Jason Monteith, along with SEIU-West members Angela and Dominic, attended a Women's Health Breakfast hosted by Jacqueline Roy, MLA for Regina Northeast and Shadow Minister for the Status of Women and Women's Health.
When considering what a workplace that protects the needs of workers experiencing menopause, we must also take this opportunity to embrace diversity and inclusion. Menopause impacts women, but also occurs in people who are trans, non-binary, or intersex.
As part of the labour movement, we need to acknowledge this fact and look towards becoming leaders in changing the culture around this important issue. Workplace accommodations might include things like flexible working hours, increased medical leave specific to menopause related issues, extended benefits which cover treatments for perimenopause, workplaces that allow for control of temperature and ventilation, as well as access to toilet facilities, menstrual supplies, cool drinking water, or a rest area.
When workers come together to fight for rights within a collective agreement, they can later become the foundation for legislation that protects all workers.