ALDI introduces domestic violence policy

ALDI has introduced a new domestic violence policy in light of the Fair Work Commission’s (FWO) decision to award some victims five days’ unpaid leave.

The supermarket says its new domestic-violence policy “goes beyond” the FWO’s provisions.

In a statement on its website, the company wrote: “ALDI stands opposed to domestic violence in all of its forms. We acknowledge that as an employer we have a responsibility to help drive change.”

ALDI’s new measures

They include:

• Ten days of paid family and domestic violence leave every year for full-time and part-time employees. (These are in addition to annual leave, sick/personal leave and compassionate leave entitlements.) Casual employees may take 10 days of unpaid leave.
• A one-off payment of $250 for incidental expenses associated with family and domestic violence.
• Assistance in accessing various support services, including access to ALDI’s specially trained family and domestic violence supporters.
• Assistance in changing work location if requested and where possible.
• Access to other leave entitlements such as annual leave, personal/carers’ leave, long-service leave, other accrued time or leave without pay in accordance with policies relating to these types of leave to attend to matters arising from family and domestic violence.

“We recognise that family and domestic violence affects thousands of Australian families, including some of our own employees,” Managing Director at ALDI Australia Viktor Jakupec said.

“Our new policy has been introduced to ensure that our valued workforce has easy access to support in situations where they are impacted by family and domestic violence. Our goal is to provide a supportive workplace that promotes respect and the prevention of all forms of violence.”

‘Strong statement’

Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia Executive Officer Karen Willis said, “Domestic violence is a crime which we all have a responsibility to challenge and change.

“ALDI is taking a very important leadership role by supporting employees experiencing family or domestic violence.

“ALDI are making a strong statement that they are here to help any employee experiencing this terrible crime. The options available as part of this policy are exemplary, assisting employees to access relevant support as they need it.”