Q: Can Suncorp direct me to take my annual leave?
A: Strictly speaking, Suncorp does have the ability to direct you to take some of your annual leave in certain circumstances. This ability is laid out in clause 31.2 (d) of the Suncorp Group Enterprise Agreement 2015:
31.2 (d) Your Leader may require You to take annual leave, provided that the requirement is reasonable. Without limiting the circumstances in which a direction may be given, a direction will be considered reasonable in the following circumstances:
(i) If you have accrued more than 40 days’ (300 hours) leave if You are a full time employee, (or the equivalent pro rata amount if You are a part-time employee (engaged on any basis)) provided You are given at least 4 weeks’ notice of the requirement to take leave:
(ii) a Christmas shut-down period outlined in clause 31.3 below;
(iii) or a direction from Your Leader due to reasonable operational requirements of the business.
Q: How much annual leave can Suncorp direct me to take?
A: There is no set amount, but if an employee is directed to take annual leave their remaining balance must be at least 4 weeks leave (pro rata for part timers).
Q: Can an employee refuse a direction to take annual leave?
A: An employee cannot refuse a direction, but the direction must be reasonable. Agreement should try to be reached between you and your leader about when to take the leave and you should be given at least 4 weeks’ notice. If you do not think that the direction is reasonable, please contact the FSU immediately for assistance.
Q: I’ve already booked leave that I want to cancel as I’ve had to cancel my holiday, how can I do that?
A: You should approach your manager to request the cancellation of your booked leave. You should outline the reasons as to why you’d like to cancel the leave. If you encounter any difficulties in doing so, contact the FSU.
Q: I have a question about Coronavirus and what type of leave I am entitled to take
A: Call our Member Rights Centre on 1300 366 378 to discuss this with our team!