PSOs in the Aviation Portfolio have been under pressure to reduce their recreation leave accrual to 190 hours, despite the entitlement in the CA to accrue 304 hours. The CPSU position is that no matter what the AFP’s budget position, members are entitled to their right to accrue 304 hours under the CA.
What’s the story?
In July 2007 the National Manager Aviation released Administrative Advice AA 003/2007 that said all PSOs in Aviation were required to reduce their Recreation Leave balance to 190 hours
CPSU took the matter up with AFP management, pointing out that the CA entitles members to accrue up to 304 hours
AFP management agrees the entitlement to 304 hours and acknowledges PSOs have already reduced their leave balances significantly since the introduction of the CA
In May 2008 the Administrative Advice is amended so it does not breach the CA by “requiring” PSOs to reduce their balance to 190 hours
However, PSOs at a number of airports are still being pressured into reducing their leave balance to 190 hours.
What is your recreation leave entitlement?
Clause 35.1 of the AFP Collective Agreement 2007 – 2011 entitles you to accrue up to 304 hours of recreation leave
In fact, as a safety net provision, clause 35.3 says your recreation leave balance can’t fall below 190 hours per employment year.
If you are being directed to reduce your recreation leave balance to 190 hours, this is a breach of the Collective Agreement.
If this happens, you should:
Get the request in writing; and
Contact your local CPSU delegate or CPSU organiser immediately.
Safeguard your rights – Join CPSU
CPSU is the independent PSO union, dedicated to safeguarding the rights of PSOs. CPSU provides independent advice and a voice for PSOs in the AFP, along with a range of other benefits such as the Critical Incident Service, discount life insurance and journey cover for workers’ compensation. If your colleagues have not yet joined, encourage them to sign up online here.
