Monitoring of sick leave

By John Irving

Federation has heard of a number of examples where the monitoring of sick leave by the Department of Education and Training is outside a 1987 agreed statement with Federation.

It is timely that members are reminded of this agreed statement: "The Department recognises that teachers' sick leave record is generally within community norms. However, in any large system of employment such as the teaching service, the Director-General is empowered to impose monitoring requirements. In accordance with general Public Service practice the Director-General can institute certain procedures where a staff member takes in excess of five individual absences unsupported by medical certificates in any 12 month period. The procedures should include counselling and, in some instances, may require a letter to the staff member seeking an explanation. In the event that the Department believes further action is warranted, these procedures could include the provision of a medical certificate in respect of subsequent absences for that 12 month period."

These procedures also recognise the right of Federation to raise with the Department, as part of normal dispute settling procedures, any cases where the union believes these procedures are being used in a punitive manner.

Members who are of the opinion that the Department of Education and Training is employing inappropriate procedures in relation to their sick leave should contact Federation immediately.

Federation advises that teachers consider the following points when filling in a sick leave form for absences of three days or less:

1. Since 1985 there has been no requirement by the Department for teachers to state the nature of their illness on the sick leave form for absences of three days or less. The monitoring procedures do not take away this option.
2. It is advisable for teachers to get a doctor's certificate, if they visit a doctor, for sick periods of three days or less. (For longer periods a doctor's certificate is always required). It is not necessary to produce this certificate when completing the sick leave form for these short absences. The certificate should be kept and can be produced if the teacher's sick leave record is queried by the Department under the monitoring procedures.
3. It is to a teacher's advantage to fully document their sick leave.

Any intimidatory actions against members outside agreed practice should be reported to Federation.

John Irving is the Assistant General Secretary (Schools).

For further information

December 2004 contents