AN160268 – Public Service Award 1992

37. - LEAVE TO ATTEND ASSOCIATION BUSINESS

(1) The employer shall grant paid leave at the ordinary rate of pay during normal working hours to an officer:

(a) who is required to attend or give evidence before any Industrial Tribunal;

(b) who as a Union-nominated representative is required to attend any negotiations and/or proceedings before an Industrial Tribunal and/or meetings with Ministers of the Crown, their staff or any other representative of Government;

(c) when prior arrangement has been made between the Union and the employer for the officer to attend official Union meetings preliminary to negotiations and/or Industrial Tribunal proceedings; and

(d) who as a Union-nominated representative is required to attend joint union/management consultative committees or working parties.

(2) The granting of leave is subject to convenience and shall only be approved:

(a) where reasonable notice is given for the application for leave;

(b) for the minimum period necessary to enable the union business to be conducted or evidence to be given; and

(c) for those officers whose attendance is essential.

(3) The employer shall not be liable for any expenses associated with an officer attending to union business.

(4) Leave of absence granted under this clause shall include any necessary travelling time in normal working hours.

(5) An officer shall not be entitled to paid leave to attend to union business other than as prescribed by this Clause.

(6) The provisions of the Clause shall not apply to:

(a) special arrangements made with the union which provide for unpaid leave for officers to conduct union business;

(b) when an officer is absent from work without the approval of the employer; and

(c) casual officers.