The Government has introduced the Employment Leave Bill, which would change the legal entitlements to annual and sick leave, especially for people working part time, irregular hours or paid irregular rates.
This bill will not override collective agreements
If this bill become law, it will set the legal minimum provisions for leave. We can still negotiate better terms for leave in collective agreements, and the law won’t override existing collectives.
What the bill would change
The table below summarises key changes proposed by the Employment Leave Bill.
Submit on the bill by 14 April
Submit on the Employment Leave Bill before the consultation deadline 14 April. You can submit as an individual or with friends, colleagues, or family.
If you would like to be part of a submission from delegates at your workplace, or have your voice included in the PSA’s submission, then you can share your thoughts with us.
Suggested points to include in your submission
- I don’t support this bill because it would mean workers won’t get annual leave or sick leave for any extra hours they work. Workers deserve leave for all the hours they work.
- I don’t support this bill because it would mean some workers will be paid less when they go on leave than they would if they were working. Workers need to be paid as much as they go on leave as they would if they were working.
- Money is no substitute for leave.
- If some workers can’t afford to take sick leave, then everyone pays the cost as sickness spreads.
Your submission will have more impact if you also do an oral submission.
Can I submit as a worker in public, community, or health services, local government or the State Sector?
People working in community and public services have the same rights as others to submit to select committees. You can do it without compromising your employment obligations. The main things to remember are:
- Do this in your own time.
- Don’t suggest you’re representing or speaking for your employer.
- Don’t use information you only have access to because of your job. Public information is fine to use.
If you chose to present your submission orally, do this in your own time and let your manager know. They should support your right to do this.
If you worked directly on the Bill or work to advise ministers on matters relating to the Bill, you should not submit as an individual.
