The PSA was contacted by members regarding a memorandum issued by SES on 30 October 2019 titled ‘Christmas Closedown and Leave Arrangements December 2019 – January 2020.’
The primary concern raised related to:
Managers are requested to ensure that all employees have no more than 15 days (105 hours) of recreation leave by the end of the Christmas holiday period (February 2020) to ensure leave balances are controlled going into the end of financial year period in May/June 2020.
The PSA wrote to NSW SES on 31 October 2019 stating that they had no authority to impose a reduction which is both outside of the Crown Employees (Public Service Conditions of Employment) Reviewed Award 2009 (particularly, see clause 77.2.5) and the NSW Premiers & Cabinet Memorandum M2012-07 ‘Reduction of accrued recreation leave balances’.
The Memorandum states:
‘To ensure that employees take sufficient rest time and to support continuing expense management, all Directors General and Chief Executives are to manage reductions to accumulated leave balances in their cluster agencies to ensure that employees reduce recreation leave accrual balances to 30 days or less.’
Employees are welcome to apply for leave, or conserve their leave in accordance with the Award.
If any member is directed to take leave outside of the above referenced conditions, please contact: