Members who have completed 15 or more years of effective service with the SAMFS accrue skills and experience based Retention Leave (more simply known as retention leave).
RETENTION LEAVE LOST
As you might also know, retention leave which is “not taken within 5 years of the end of the financial year in which it accrues, will be lost” (Public Sector Act 2009, schedule 1, clause 7(4c)).
The MFS has advised our union that:
Any Retention Leave accrued in 2014/15 that is not taken prior to 30 June 2020, will be lost as an entitlement from 1 July 2020.
IMPACTED EMPLOYEES
Consequently, impacted employees will be either be required to take the unused leave before 30 June 2020, or alternatively convert recently taken leave to Retention Leave (requiring approval from the applicable agency delegate).
If you suspect that any portion of your retention leave will be lost on 1 July 2020, we urge you to urgently contact MFS HR Manager, Shiona Sommerville (Shiona.Somerville@sa.gov.au or 8204 3766) as a matter of priority, requesting that any leave you have recently taken, be converted to retention leave (to the value of your retention leave accrued in the financial year 2014/15).
Please also ensure that your workmates who may be affected are aware of this urgent message and act immediately if necessary.
Should you have any questions, please contact Seamus at our office at projectofficer@ufusa.com.au or 8352 7211.
In solidarity,
