Community General Secretary signs our Women’s Health Charter

At Community, we like to lead by example, and that is why our General Secretary Alasdair McDiarmid has signed the union’s reproductive health charter for women.

Following the launch of our Supporting Her Together campaign, we have been encouraging workplaces to sign up to our charter and commit to the creation of supportive policies for those with conditions such as endometriosis and PMOS.

By signing our own charter, Community commits to:

• Creating workplace policies that cover menstrual health, menopause, fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, and reproductive-related medical leave.
• Providing flexible workplace arrangements, including remote working options.
• Making reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
• Delivering appropriate training on reproductive health.
• Engaging constructively with women’s networks to strengthen workplace policies.
• Treating employee’s health issues with discretion and confidentiality.
• Monitoring and improving reproductive health policies.

Community General Secretary Alasdair McDiarmid said:

“At Community, we are proud to campaign for fairer, more inclusive and more supportive workplaces. Through our Supporting Her Together campaign, we are calling on employers to take meaningful action on menstrual, fertility and reproductive health, recognising the very real impact these issues can have on people’s working lives.

“By signing our own Women’s Reproductive Health Charter, we are demonstrating that these are not just commitments we ask of others, but standards we expect of ourselves.

“Trade unions must lead by example. If we want employers to create environments where people feel supported and able to speak openly about reproductive health, then we must ensure our own workplace reflects those values.

“Signing the charter reinforces our commitment to providing appropriate policies, practical support and a culture in which nobody feels disadvantaged or excluded because of reproductive health issues.

“Supporting Her Together is about breaking down stigma, improving understanding and ensuring that no one has to struggle in silence at work.

“By putting the principles of the charter into practice within our own organisation, Community is showing that we are committed to practising what we preach and building the kind of workplace we want to see everywhere.”