Friday 11 June Centrelink IT outage and your leave
14 July 2010, 8:18am
Thanks for your feedback on last month’s power outage which resulted in staff across many sites around the country being unable to perform appropriate work. It’s clear from your emails that Centrelink’s advice to staff was not consistent and has resulted in confusion and frustration. Your union is seeking to resolve the issue for all members with Centrelink.
What members are saying
Hundreds of messages from members have provided details that show Centrelink
have not provided consistent advice to their staff on what type of leave, if
any, was appropriate. In some cases staff have been advised that flex or
recreation leave should be taken and in some sites people were directed to
remain at work to clean the oven!
Difference of opinion
CPSU disputes that the 'direction' given to staff to take recreation or
flex leave was consistent under the agreement and that the leave should be
properly and fairly recognised as Miscellaneous Leave with Pay.
The agreement does not grant managers the right to direct employees to
take recreation leave, except under specific circumstances which do not
apply in this case.
A direction to take flex-leave by the manager does not appear to be
provided by the agreement, let alone a manager directing an employee to
increase their flex debit. Certainly CPSU is aware of cases where staff had
to increase their flex debits as a result of the direction given by
Centrelink.
Rather than employees having to take recreation or flex leave, the
agreement contemplates the use of Miscellaneous Leave where there is an
unintended work stoppage. A power outage can certainly be considered within
the scope of the agreement and entitle an employee to apply for such leave.
What now?
CPSU are seeking to meet with Centrelink management to resolve the issue
nationally. CPSU are seeking the
re-crediting of any flex or recreation leave used and Miscellaneous
Leave with Pay be granted instead and that
No staff member who chose to take flex-time is disadvantaged compared to
their colleagues due to circumstances beyond their control.
Your union will support and assist you in enforcing your rights
Your involvement and your membership matters
Please share this bulletin and ask one of your workmates to join your
union.
Join your union by calling 1300 137 636 or
online here.
