Accessing long service leave
Another topic that is frequently discussed by members with their Officials is access to Long Service Leave.
And the reason for most of the confusion over availing of Long Service Leave is due to misinformation originating from management who attempt to make up the rules as they go along.
An application for Long Service Leave must be approved when the employee has given reasonable notice.
This period of reasonable notice has long been established to be six weeks – and management are well aware of this. The only exception to this is during periods of unusual operating requirements (ie. peak period).
Therefore, ignore the management try-ons that usually rear their heads at this time of the year.
If they can find temporary labour to plug the gaps they cause, while breaching the EBA, six weeks is more than long enough to find temporary labour to plug the gap caused by your right to access your long service leave.
If you have given reasonable notice of your intentions to take long service leave and your application has been denied, contact your State Branch Official for assistance as soon as possible.
