Retailer’s action for trans staff cheered

A new policy supporting transgender staff members at one of New Zealand’s biggest supermarket chains has been hailed as a “spectacular” step forward by LGBTQ advocates.

Countdown yesterday announced its transgender transitioning policy, promising trans employees support over correct name and pronoun use, and the right to use whichever toilets and changing rooms matched their gender identity.

The policy also included the right to use any available leave including sick leave for medical treatments needed while transitioning.

Personal medical information did not need to be disclosed.

Countdown’s corporate affairs manager, James Walker, said it was important to have a proactive and clear policy for the company’s transgender team members.

“We’re one of the largest employers in the country, and part of that responsibility is to ensure that we are leading our sector and are a great place to work,” Walker said.

“That means having formal support processes in place for our transgender team members when they need it, such as when they wish to be known by their new name, using toilets and changing rooms that match their gender identity, and ensuring they can take time off for medical care relating to transition.”

Countdown had at least two staffers transitioning in Auckland and Walker said he expected the proportion of trans people among its 18,000 employees to more or less match the wider population.

A service for team leaders to learn about the practicalities of supporting trans team members would also be available, Walker said.

Agender NZ president Tracee Nelley called the policy “spectacular”, saying it gave Countdown employees incredible support, backup and protection within their workplace.

Agender is a support organisation for trans people and their families and Nelley helped Countdown in drawing up the policy.

“I think it is one of the most amazing steps forward for a largescale business in this country.”

She hoped other companies would follow Countdown’s lead.

Green MP Jan Logie, who last year congratulated Countdown on becoming one of the first Kiwi companies to introduce domestic violence leave provisions, also welcomed the move.

The Countdown Transgender Transitioning Policy has been introduced across all Countdown supermarkets, distribution centres, processing plants and support offices.