Wow, Coles supermarket will now give trans and gender diverse staff an extra 10 days paid leave! Amazing, I bet that is incentive enough for many people in these terribly hard times to make some quick decisions about their gender construction!
“Coles supermarket will now give trans and gender diverse staff an extra 10 days paid leave.
‘We know that we have at least 900 team members who identify as transgender or gender diverse.’
Coles supermarket has announced that team members undergoing gender affirmation will now be entitled to up to 10 days paid gender affirmation leave.
The retail giant said the policy change was an important step in its commitment to champion inclusion in the workplace.
“We know that we have at least 900 team members who identify as transgender or gender diverse,” Coles Chief Legal and Safety Officer and chair of the Coles Pride Steering Committee David Brewster said.
“We need to have proper policy and education in this area so there is clear guidance around taking leave for this important transition in their life.
“Our Pride network has grown significantly over the past year, and we have Pride committees in every state, driving activity and engagement at a local level.”
Mr Brewster also announced that Coles has signed up as an official partner of Pride Cup Australia, which promotes inclusivity and diversity in sport - from national leagues to local community clubs.
“Our partnership with Pride Cup Australia will help ensure that LGBTQI+ athletes at all levels can play sport in a safe place in all communities around Australia,” he said.
“Our goal is for the program to reach regional and rural areas as well as in metropolitan locations.”
Coles’ support has been applauded by Pride Cup Australia CEO James Lolicatos.
“When I was growing up, homophobic comments were thrown around the field more than the ball was,” he said.
“I didn’t feel welcome or safe to be myself in sport. To now see Pride Cup games being held in so many sports across the country is incredible.
“We know that sports clubs are at the very heart of so many communities; these events make real inroads for LGBTQI+ inclusion far beyond game day.
“We are so delighted that Coles is supporting our organisation because as part of our partnership, Coles will help Pride Cup Australia expand their reach to over 750 clubs annually across Australia, by 2025.”