Domestic violence affects about one-quarter of Canadians. People of all genders, sexual orientation, race, abilities, economic or religious backgrounds experience domestic violence.
As a public servant in the Core Public Administration & other Federal Agencies, you have access to 10 days of paid domestic violence leave.
Securing domestic violence leave for PIPSC members
In 2013, the PIPSC Commerce and Purchasing (CP) Group started the process to include domestic violence language in their collective agreement. Together with the PIPSC Negotiations for Domestic Violence Leave committee, formed by survivors of domestic violence, they steadily advanced the issue.
The stories and experiences that these survivors brought to this pioneering work ensured the leave would meet the needs of those experiencing violence and provide them with the support to seek safety.
In 2019, PIPSC won paid leave for survivors of domestic violence and their dependents.
As a result of PIPSC spearheading that campaign for domestic violence leave in 2019, other unions have since been able to secure similar paid leave options to support victims and survivors of domestic violence.
This leave is crucial as it ensures that there is no economic penalty to accessing medical, legal, psychological or community supports. The workplace must not be a barrier to fleeing violence.
The campaign for paid domestic violence leave laid the groundwork to introduce even greater supports for victims and survivors in the workplace. But our work is not over.
Accessing domestic violence leave
Domestic violence leave is for victims and survivors of domestic violence, or the parent of a child who is a victim of family violence.
You can use up to 10 days of domestic violence leave to obtain assistance from organizations that provide support to victims of family violence, attend medical appointments or professional counselling, to temporarily or permanently relocate, or to seek the assistance of law enforcement.
Review your collective agreement (found on your group page) for more information. If you have questions about domestic violence leave and your collective agreement, contact your employer’s human resources department or your steward.
If you are a PIPSC member working for another employer, please contact your human resources department or your steward for more information.
Looking ahead
To best support victims and survivors in the workplace PIPSC continues to advocate for support systems rooted in victim empowerment.
By spreading awareness and educating individuals about accessing domestic violence leave and establishing safety protocols with regards to when domestic violence enters the workplace, the hope is that the workplace can play a role in supporting employees find safety.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence visit our services and support page.