‘Keep working like nothing is wrong’: women make the case for paid menstruation leave

Exclusive: Survey of union members suggests 75% suffer painful periods. Most say it affects their work

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The majority of working women suffer period pain so great it affects their performance – but three in four feel they can’t talk to their manager about it, according to the preliminary findings of a survey of Australia’s biggest unions.

The survey, conducted by law firm Maurice Blackburn on behalf of the Australian Workers Union, the Transport Workers Union, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RBTU) and the United Workers Union, is part of a national campaign to introduce menstrual and menopausal leave.