D-G refuses special leave for retirement seminars

By John Irving

Despite numerous attempts by Federation to have the Department of Education and Training grant members up to two days special leave to attend retirement preparation seminars conducted by State Super, the Department insists members must attend these seminars outside school hours or during school vacation times.

At a meeting held with Director-General Andrew Cappie-Wood on August 2 he again refused to provide paid leave.

The matter of paid leave has been pursued with a number of government departments by full time employee board member of State Superannuation Ron Davis, over the past few years. Until recently, the major departments not providing such leave were health and education. Health has now agreed. Teachers are now the only public servants who are not granted leave to attend pre-retirement seminars during school time. This is clearly unacceptable. While seminars are organised on dates and times for teachers to attend out of normal hours this provides limitations to attendances by teachers. The seminar target is for members of the scheme over 52 years of age. While these seminars have been most successful many members cannot be reached because the Department of Education and Training will not allow teachers leave to attend.

John Irving is the Assistant General Secretary (Schools).

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