We’re thrilled to see that one of our partners, the Victorian Ambulance Union, secured a new enterprise agreement with Ambulance Victoria that includes a 5-day paid leave entitlement for members to donate stem cells and bone marrow.
As part of a new enterprise bargaining agreement reached in late 2024 between Ambulance Victoria and the paramedics’ union, this provision recognises the importance of giving employees the time and support they need to help save lives. This change means paramedics can now take time off work to donate their stem cells or bone marrow, without sacrificing pay. For people on the donor registry, this kind of support can make all the difference when the call comes to be someone’s life-saving match.
It’s a significant step forward in acknowledging the role that employers can play in supporting stem cell donation. The process of donating is safe and straightforward, but it does require time, for medical screening, potential travel to a collection centre, and the donation itself. Knowing your job has your back makes it that much easier to say yes.
Why it’s important
Every year, more than 1,200 Australians will begin the search for their stem cell match. Only around one in three will find that match within their own family, the rest rely on the kindness of strangers.
Paid donation leave gives potential donors the practical support to follow through on that kindness.
We applaud the Victorian Ambulance Union and Ambulance Victoria for recognising the importance of this issue. Their advocacy has helped pave the way for more workplaces to follow.
We’d love to see more organisations in healthcare and beyond, offer dedicated leave for stem cell and bone marrow donation. If you’re an HR professional or employer who wants to make this possible for your team, we’re here to help. We can provide resources, policy templates, and support to bring this life-saving change to your workplace and help support your people.
Want to help bring paid donation leave to your workplace? Get in touch to find out how we can support you.