As we get closer to the end of the year it is timely to remind members of your rights around the Christmas Closedown for 2022.

The PSA strongly encourages you, where you can, to enjoy a break from work over the Christmas and New Year period.

That said, we also know that while many will enjoy this opportunity it may be necessary for some members to work over the closedown period.

Some FAQs in relation to the Christmas Closedown

Can I be directed to take leave over the Christmas Closedown?

The Christmas Closedown requires you to utilise your leave entitlements, usually recreation leave with a combination of flex leave (for those who  have access to a flexible working hours agreement).

For those under the Crown Employees (Public Service Conditions of Employment) Award 2009 you can only be directed to take leave if you are in excess of your accrued recreation leave at either six weeks or eight weeks (Clause 77.2.3 and 77.2.4). For those under different awards check for similar arrangements.

Outside of that, you cannot be directed onto leave over the Christmas Closedown period.

 I want to work over the Christmas Closedown, what do I do?

Management will possibly not be very encouraging of your request as the directive is fairly clear to close most agencies down over this period. However, across most NSW Government agencies there will be the ability to accommodate staff who wish to work over the closedown period.

Please be advised though, that this may mean a relocation to a different work location and/or suitable alternative duties.

We strongly encourage you to initiate discussions with your manager if you want to work across this period.

If you are having difficulty in negotiating this, then you can contact PSA member support on 1800 772 679 or by email for further assistance.

Further information

For more information on the Christmas Closedown click HERE for the Premier’s Memorandum M2019-23 Christmas Closedown for the years 2019 -2022.