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Taking annual leave at Westpac – when will they learn?

Westpac is at it again. Not for the first time, management is trying to unfairly force staff to take annual leave – and in some instances pressuring staff to book their leave as far out as 2026.

This is simply unacceptable.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Management can only require you to take annual leave if it is a reasonable request. 
  • A reasonable request may include if you have ‘excessive’ leave accrual – but 20 days is not excessive. In fact, our EA contains no requirement for employees to keep their annual leave accrual below 20 days. 
  • Annual leave should be scheduled with regard to the employee’s personal circumstances and preferences. Ideally, annual leave should be taken at a time that is mutually agreed by yourself and your employer, and management should work collaboratively with you to bring any excessive leave balance down.

Remember, if your leave balance is not excessive, then management cannot require you to prematurely schedule your annual leave.

There’s a lot more to unpack about this issue, including other examples of a reasonable request. It’s all covered in our fact sheet, which is available exclusively for FSU members here.

Do you feel pressured to take annual leave at a time that doesn’t suit?

Confidentially tell us if this is an issue in your workplace.

Yes, I’m being pressured to take annual leave

If you need support, please talk with your FSU Workplace Representative or contact the FSU Member Rights Centre on 1300 366 378.

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Authorised by Julia Angrisano, Finance Sector Union of Australia, Level 13, 380 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000.
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