We have recently been made aware of rules for managing sick leave in the EdConnect Contact Centre that do not comply with the Award and are overly punitive.
Your PSA representatives raised this with Department of Education (DOE) Employee Relations which resulted in the rules being retracted. We have sought formal consultation with the Department to ensure that the processes and the messaging sent out to staff in future is compliant with the relevant award and policy.
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It’s more important than ever to be a member of the PSA. Union membership is the only way you can ensure you get a say in your workplace and be part of a collective effort to improve your rights at work.
Forward this email to your colleagues or any new starters in your team so they can find out more about the PSA!
Know your rights – Sick leave entitlements
The PSA would like to remind members of the importance of understanding your leave entitlements.
We advise members to make sure they are familiar with their Award conditions with regard to sick leave which are outlined in the following clauses:
Crown Employees (Public Service Conditions of Employment) Reviewed Award,
Section 6 – Leave
Clause 79 – Sick Leave
Clause 80 – Requirements for Evidence of Illness
There is no leave type called ‘unplanned leave’ in the Award
‘Unplanned leave’ is not a category in the Crown Employees Award, and there are requirements for the manner in which Managers deal with inevitable staff absences as well as employee responsibilities for managing leave. The policy Managers must be guided by encourages them to understand the procedures that need to be followed and apply them fairly and transparently. They should also understand that the vast majority of sick leave applications are for genuine sickness and need to be dealt with sympathetically.
Flexible working arrangements are also vitally important and should be provided to ensure that employees are afforded greater flexibility in dealing with workloads, work deadlines and the balance between work and family life.
You can access the Managing Sick Leave policy for the NSW Public Sector here
Department of Education Leave Procedures for Corporate Employees are also available on your intranet.
If members have any concerns about the way sick leave is managed in their workplace please contact the PSA.
During COVID we are still working hard to support you, please contact your Organiser if you would like to arrange a workplace meeting online.
Member Support Centre 1300 772 679