TIS union members have reported management is continuing to treat staff poorly around unplanned leave. This includes staff being told their contract may not be renewed due to having taken minimal unplanned leave.
Do you think this is fair?
Should staff with adequate performance be discriminated against for taking
unplanned leave as entitled within the collective agreement? Is a policy of
management punitively targeting staff over unplanned leave fair? Would
increasing staff morale be more successful if there is a need to address
unplanned leave?
CPSU will take up this issue with DIAC management
As you may be aware, earlier in the year the CPSU wrote to DIAC management
about issues staff were experiencing around unplanned leave which included:
reports of contracts not being extended due to unplanned leave
pressure upon staff when returning to work after unplanned leave
perceived lack of opportunities within DIAC due to taking unplanned
leave, including training others and accruing flex time.
DIAC management assured CPSU in late March they were not following a policy
other than that outlined in the collective agreement and that behaviour as
listed above should not be occurring.
CPSU is seeking an urgent meeting with DIAC management to take up this issue
and to discuss ways management can assure it is following appropriate behaviour
in regards to unplanned leave.
Join the CPSU
Having a strong and active union in TIS is the best way to ensure your
employer listens to you and that your agreement is enforced correctly. As a
union member you will be supporting your work colleagues and will help ensure
TIS is fair workplace. It is particularly important that non-ongoing staff are
represented and supported by the CPSU.
CPSU is distributing a small postcard called Unplanned Leave - Know
Your Rights. By keeping this flier handy (perhaps put it up at your pod)
you can keep information at hand which may assist you and show you are
supporting your fellow colleagues and that the union is available to support
staff on this issue. If you would like a copy, please email diac_vic@cpsu.org.au
Get involved
For the CPSU to take up this issue on your behalf (either confidentially or
not depending on your preference) it is important that you pass on instances
where you are potentially being treated unfairly. The CPSU will keep you updated
on this issue. For more specific information, talk to your CPSU delegates or
union organiser when next visiting.
