The Transport Workers Union on Thursday joined Virgin Australia chief John Borghetti in speaking out against domestic violence.

Virgin Australia recently struck a deal with the union to provide five days of extra leave each year for workers experiencing family violence. The agreement allows workers to take time off to attend medical and legal appointments and gives them greater flexibility with their working hours.

Workers can also get their telephone numbers and email addresses changed to avoid harassment. Personal information is also kept confidential.

Transport Workers Union national secretary Tony Sheldon said the union is urging all other airlines to follow Virgin Australia's example.

"It was a bold step by Virgin Australia to show it understood the difficult circumstances that arise for workers in this situation," he said.

"Domestic violence is felt throughout the community and is a serious problem in Australia with one in three women experiencing serious physical or sexual violence. One in four children will be exposed to domestic abuse."

The Australian Council of Trade Unions has also made a claim to the Fair Work Commission to have 10 days of domestic violence leave included in all wage awards. Casuals would be entitled to 10 days of unpaid leave.

The ACTU claim includes the right to request more flexible conditions including changes in start and finish times to help some victims avoid stalkers.

ACTU president Ged Kearney said paid domestic violence leave would help victims keep their jobs and give them the support they needed to leave violent relationships.

She said it was a systemic issue involving a wide range of social, economic and cultural factors that needed to be addressed in workplaces.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive officer, Kate Carnell, said her organisation opposed providing domestic violence leave, describing it "as a step too far".

She said employees already have access to leave for illness and other personal reasons.