Department of Customer Service – Update on Flex vs Rec Leave Issue
26 August 2021
At the recent cluster Peak JCC the É«ÀÇÉçÇøraised concerns that staff were being denied access to Flex Leave where they were over their 30 day Recreation Leave balance.  Please see previous Bulletin
Department of Customer Service has now formally advised that “Restrictions for staff with excess leave will be removed to allow them to take flex time as needed.  The system is currently being amended and staff will be able to enter leave in SAP from Monday 30 August.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøwould like to thank delegates and members across the cluster for continuing to agitate on this issue by raising incidents with both the É«ÀÇÉçÇøand their Manager.
We welcome the department’s reasonable approach to resolving this issue.
Further to this change, the É«ÀÇÉçÇøunderstands that the Department is also increasing the number of hours you can go into flex debit.  ɫÀÇÉçÇøhas concerns about workload and the effect working increasing numbers of hours will have on your health and wellbeing.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇørecommends that you monitor your health and discuss workload concerns with your Team Leader, Supervisor or Manager.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøstill encourages members to discuss plans to take future leave with their manager as having a plan in place will give you something to look forward to and assist you in handling burn out.
Attending the workplace
Several members have raised concerns with the Crisis Controller message advising staff that requests to travel into the office require approval from the Director.
While this is a reflection of the strictness of the current health orders, it is the PSA’s view that individuals should be able to a make case to continue to attend the office as there may be a range of reasons why a staff member may have this need.  We encourage members in these circumstances to discuss with their situation with their Manager.
Where requests are rejected, please forward to the Member Support Centre, quoting call number 163128 and an Industrial Staff Member will review the matter.
As the health orders evolve, please continue to seek clarification from the department and the É«ÀÇÉçÇøso we can continue to work together to ensure a safe workplace for everyone.