3 April 2019
Imagine you’ve worked for SA Health for several years and have rarely used your personal/carers leave. But then this year, you needed medical care which meant you had to take a few week’s recovery leave.
You then receive a letter advising…
Northern Adelaide Local Health Network sent this letter to numerous members of staff, which came as a slap in the face for many loyal employees and, according to the ANMF (SA Branch) represents a clear breach of the conditions of the Nursing and Midwifery Enterprise Agreement.
And we’re making sure the Government is aware of that.
The ANMF (SA Branch) wrote to
NALHN , reminding them that when an employee takes personal/carers leave and complies with all relevant notice requirements, they are accessing an entitlement under the Nursing and Midwifery South Australian Public Sector Enterprise Agreement and therefore exercising a workplace right.
Members instructed that they have only ever taken sick leave legitimately and have complied with all relevant notice requirements.
Whilst we accept that NALHN has a capacity to review employees’ use of personal/carers leave from time to time, it is our view the letters issued, and the instructions contained therein are discriminatory and in breach of the Agreement.
As such, the ANMF (SA Branch) sought from NALHN a retraction of the letter. NALHN declined.
The ANMF (SA Branch) has now lodged a dispute with the SA Employment Tribunal. Members will be updated on the status of this formal action as it progresses.