AUSTRALIA: Coles Supermarket Gives Employees Undergoing Gender Reassignment Surgery 10 Extra Paid Leave Days

As part of their new inclusion policy, Coles Supermarket in Australia announced this week that employees undergoing gender reassignment surgery will get an extra 10 days of paid leave.

The Australian 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.

Coles is proud to announce that team members undergoing gender affirmation will now be entitled to up to 10 days’ paid gender affirmation leave. We’ve also signed up as an official partner of @PrideCup, promoting inclusivity and diversity in sport https://t.co/aiOP6Yc6uB pic.twitter.com/uORyhvCGJz

— Coles Supermarkets (@Coles) May 18, 2022

“Coles supermarket will now give trans and gender diverse staff an extra 10 days paid leave”

How is “gender diverse” defined?

Any female with short hair or male with long hair?https://t.co/TGwPTzUT5J

— ♥️ (@LabelFreeBrands) May 20, 2022

Australian supermarket chain Coles has announced a new policy to support its transgender and gender diverse staff, giving them up to 10 days of paid gender affirmation leave. https://t.co/arQ4ISOBwE

— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) May 18, 2022

7 News reported:

“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.

Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia #IDAHOBIT. To celebrate Coles held a panel hosted by @PrideCup Founder @jasonballau featuring AFLW player @darcyvee Adelaide United footballer @JoshuaCavallo & Coles GM Genevieve Hawkins. https://t.co/iVOmrA6Wli

— Coles Supermarkets (@Coles) May 16, 2022

Sky News added:

Pride Cup Australia CEO James Lolicato said that Pride Cup Australia works across all levels of sporting organisations from national leagues to local community clubs.

“When I was growing up, homophobic comments were thrown around the field more than the ball was. I didn’t feel welcome or safe to be myself in sport,” he said.

“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.”