Cricket Australia under fire over pregnancy clause : News, Cricket

Australia’s Fair Work Ombudsman is exploring the national cricket board contentious pregnancy clause in contracts provided to elite women gamers.

Cricket Australia was under fire over the clause which required women to announce whether they were pregnant before signing contracts.

“The Player warrants that, to the best of her knowledge, she is not pregnant because at the date of signing this Contract and undertakes that upon becoming aware that she is pregnant, she will notify the particulars of the pregnancy (in writing, where practicable) to the CA health officer (or such other appropriate representative of CA or other individual designated by CA) when reasonably practicable.”

The teams discriminatory of women have contested the clause after being attracted to light during pay negotiations between the board and the players’ association.

The clause was defended by CA because being out of concern for all the health and safety of women.

“Our sole interest in whether one of our girls players is pregnant is to make sure the health of her and her baby, and we’ve got strict rules about health confidentiality,” CA high performance chief Pat Howard said in a statement this week.

“We are very mindful that cricket involves real risk, and we will need to ensure that our healthcare team and players are aware of every aspect that may impact a participant’s health.”

But CA altered its position on Saturday, announcing it would examine its policies and contracts that applied to “maternity, pregnancy leave and carer support” after it had been contacted by the labor watchdog on Friday.

“We will co-operate entirely with the Ombudsman, also welcome their queries as it’s always our goal to offer the ideal support for many of our players,” CA chief executive James Sutherland said in a statement.

Regardless of the probe, Sutherland blamed the players’ institution.

“We’re extremely disappointed that this issue was raised by the ACA (Australian Cricketers Association),” he explained.

“Their former executives were completely involved with negotiating, amending and then agreeing the contract for most girls players at the first half of 2015.

“Since the ACA has proven no objection to this contract, they ought to take responsibility for their role in creating the current policy.”

source http://www.southwalescricket.co.uk/cricket-australia-under-fire-over-pregnancy-clause-news-cricket/