NSW Police Christmas closedown – November 2017 (PDF version)
The Christmas closedown period for this year in NSW Police will be from Monday, 25 December 2017 to Friday, 5 January 2018 inclusive. The Public Service Holiday has been designated for Friday, 29 December 2017.
Non-frontline staff are encouraged to take this opportunity to relax with family and friends and come back refreshed for 2018. However, staff (including non-frontline workers) seeking to work during the closedown period should liaise with their manager to discuss the matter. Their manager should then make every effort to find suitable alternative work during this period and an alternative work location if required. The PSA believes this process should be transparent.
Members from across NSW Police have previously raised concerns with us about directives they are receiving around the taking of leave.
A reminder to members that Clause 78.2 of the Crown Employees (NSW Police Force Administrative Officers and Temporary Employees) Award 2009 outlines the ‘Limits on Accumulation and Direction to take leave’.
Clause 78.2.3 states that:
‘The Commissioner shall notify the staff member in writing when accrued recreation leave reaches 6 weeks or its hourly equivalent and at the same time may direct a staff member to take at least 2 weeks recreation leave within 3 months of the notification at a time convenient to the NSW Police Force’
And Clause 78.2.4 states that:
‘The Commissioner shall notify the staff member in writing when accrued recreation leave reaches 8 weeks or its hourly equivalent and direct the staff member to take at least
2 weeks recreation leave within 6 weeks of the notification. Such leave is to be taken at a time convenient to the NSW Police Force’
Members have informed us they have previously received directives that are not in line with these award provisions.
The PSA wants to hear from any member refused deferring of leave until after the Christmas shutdown or ability to work over the shutdown period where there are genuine reasons to do so. Please contact our Member Support Centre immediately on 1300 772 679.
The PSA will not hesitate in enforcing the award entitlements of its members. Get your colleagues involved in the PSA and protecting your rights and conditions at work!
To organise a meeting in your workplace, contact: