Monitoring of teacher sick leave

By Peter Wilson

Following concern expressed at August Council, Federation has written to both Federation Representatives and principals about procedures for monitoring teacher sick leave.

Federation advises that principals should not be involved in the monitoring of an individual teacher's sick leave. The union believes that this should be done centrally.

However, when principals do choose to be involved, Federation hopes that acceptable procedures can be instigated at the school level.

In most schools where principals do participate in the process to monitor sick leave, this process is dealt with sensitively and does not create a sense of injustice or intimidation for teaching staff. Unfortunately, in some schools the process has been handled in a way that has created resentment and has contributed towards reducing professional respect between members.

The advice from Federation is intended to help minimise the potential of industrial conflict.

As part of the 1987 award, Federation accepted the following statement on sick leave:

"The Department recognises that teachers' sick leave record is generally well 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 the 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 twelve 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."

Raising concerns

1. The teacher should advise the Federation Representative who, in the first instance, should attempt to negotiate an acceptable resolution with the principal.
2. Where the procedure is implemented in a manner that is unacceptable to teachers, members have the right to have the Federation Representative convene a Federation meeting to determine a position and any subsequent action in regard to the unacceptable procedures.
3. Federation Representatives may seek advice from their Organiser at any time in regard to this proposed procedure.

Peter Wilson is the Assistant General Secretary (Schools).

For further information

August 2006 contents