This KYR applies to the CSA Collective Agreement 2008 - 2011
CPSU members in CSA have reported feeling confused about the difference
between planned and unplanned leave. There have been instances where
staff have
been made to take Flex or Annual leave for the purposes of attending
medical
appointments as this is deemed to be a ‘planned’ event. This is
incorrect
The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) has
clear definitions available to all departments in the APS -
including the
Child Support Agency - which outline which type of leave should be taken
in
certain circumstances and how to define it.
In order to help clear up any confusion, here are the different types of
leave available to you and how they are categorised.
Planned leave
Is leave that is planned or approved in advance, and is provided to give
employees regular breaks from work and opportunities to balance work and
personal life commitments. These include:
Recreation/annual leave
Long service Leave
Maternity Leave
Parental/supporting partner leave
Adoption leave
Purchased leave
Sabbatical/career interval leave
Flex-time
Study leave
Miscellaneous, including graduation, jury duty, defence reserve.
Unplanned Leave
Is an absence from work in recognition of circumstances that arise
unexpectedly or irregularly, making it difficult to plan, approve or
budget for
in advance, and which is inclusive of planned medical appointments.
These include:
Sick Leave - an absence resulting from an employee being too sick
or
injured to work or to undergo medical procedures.
Carer's Leave
Compensation
Specific types of miscellaneous leave - i.e. bereavement, household
emergency
You should never be directed to use your flex or annual leave in order
to
attend medical appointments, except in the case that your sick leave
entitlements have been exhausted.
What about medical certificates?
The CSA Agency Agreement states you may access up to 7 days per
year
without the need to produce a medical certificate. (not more than 3
consecutive days without certification)
Requests for medical certificates in advance are both inappropriate
and
may require your medical practitioner to act against AMA guidelines.
Your doctor does not have to include details of the diagnosis on
your
medical certificate.
You have the right to keep the details of your medical condition
confidential.
What about planned medical treatment?
If you know in advance that you will be having medical treatment
requiring an
absence from work it is appropriate to tell your supervisor when you
expect to
be off work. However, you are not required to disclose the nature of the
treatment or the condition unless you choose to. The requirements for
provision
of a medical certificate are the same for this type of sick leave as
they are
for the unexpected absences. The Australian Medical Association "Medical
Certificate Guidelines" do not provide for the issuing of certificates
in
advance.
Still confused? Call us - we're in your corner!
CPSU works to protect and improve members' rights and entitlements. Call
your
union for information, support and advice - 1300 137 636. Our member
service
centre offers advice to all CPSU members from 7.30am - 7.30pm, Monday to
Friday
on 1300 137 636.
It pays to belong
CSA staff who are not yet members need to join now. CPSU works to
protect and
improve members’ rights and entitlements as well as ensuring you have
advice and
support when you need it. To join the CPSU, see your workplace delegate
for an
application form today, or join securely
online.
