Specialist Residential Schools' Collective Agreement

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Section 5: Holiday and Leave Provisions | Ngā Whakaritenga Rā Whakatā me te Wehenga Ā-Tau

Specialist Residential Schools' Collective Agreement
Effective 11 December 2022 until 30 April 2025

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  • 5.1 Public and Designated Holidays | Ngā Rā Whakatā Tūmatanui
    • 5.1.1 Employees are entitled to the public holidays specified in the Holidays Act 2003.

      5.1.2 In addition to the public holidays, employees are entitled to the day after Boxing Day or the first weekday in lieu as a designated holiday.

      5.1.3 Entitlement to a public or designated holiday exists where it falls on a day which would otherwise be a working day for the employee.

Note: The parties acknowledge that the leave provisions of this Agreement (and their administration) operate to provide entitlements equal to, or in excess of, those provided under the Holidays Act 2003.  To this extent, and except as provided via changes within this Agreement, the parties agree that current administrative practices will continue to operate.  As with 4.13.4 above, where inconsistencies with the Holidays Act 2003 exist the parties will continue to work on compliance solutions. 

  • 5.2 Entitlement when Required to Work on a Statutory or Designated Holiday | Ngā Whiwhinga i te wā e mahi ana i ngā Rā Whakatā Tūmatanui
    • 5.2.1 An employee who works on a public holiday is entitled to an alternative holiday on another agreed working day, which shall be one on which the school is closed for instruction, unless otherwise agreed.

      5.2.2 An employee who is on call on a public holiday, where the nature of the restriction on the employee’s freedom of action is such that for all practical purposes, the employee has not had a holiday, is entitled to an alternative holiday on another agreed working day, which shall be one on which the school is closed for instruction, unless otherwise agreed.

      5.2.3 An employee who is only employed to work on a public holiday is not entitled to the additional day.

      5.2.4 Work on a public holiday shall be paid in accordance with section 50 of the Holidays Act 2003 i.e. the greater of:

        1. the portion of the employee’s relevant daily pay (less any penal rates) that relates to the time actually worked on the day plus half that amount again; or
        2. the portion of the employee’s relevant daily pay that relates to the time actually worked on the day. 

      5.2.5 An employee required to work on a designated holiday (see 5.1.2) will be granted equivalent time off in lieu. The appropriate overtime rate will be applicable after 8 hours have been worked at the employee's ordinary rate.

  • 5.5 Annual Leave for Standard employees | Te Wehenga ā-Tau mā ngā Kaimahi Ahuwhānui
    • 5.5.1 Annual leave is to be taken in term holidays wherever practicable. 

      5.5.2 Annual leave of 5 weeks per annum shall be allowed in accordance with the Holidays Act 2003 (refer table 1 below); 

      5.5.3 Employees shall, on completion of six years' service, become entitled to annual leave of 6 weeks per annum as at 1 December immediately following. (refer to table 1 below). 

      Table 1:
      Service Annual  leave entitlement
      0-6 years service 5 weeks annual leave + 1 recreational day *
      7 years service 6 weeks annual leave + 1 recreational day *

      * refer clause 5.4 

      5.5.4 Except in relation to a closedown period or when agreement is unable to be reached, when annual holidays are to be taken is to be agreed between the employer and employee. 

      5.5.5 Except as specifically provided by the employer, an employee who has been absent on special leave with or without pay in excess of 35 consecutive days in 1 or more periods in any leave year is to have their leave reduced in the proportion that the number of days leave bears to 365. 

      Note: The operation of the provision shall not disadvantage any employee in relation to any minimum entitlement under the Holidays Act 2003. 

      5.5.6 For example, an employee with 5 weeks leave entitlement who has had 55 days special leave will have their annual leave entitlement reduced by 55/365 x 25 = 4 days. 

      5.5.7 Employees with over 20 years continuous service may anticipate and take 1 years’ annual leave entitlement in advance for the purpose of taking an overseas trip. 

      5.5.8 Employees may be permitted to anticipate up to half the annual leave entitlement due, subject to refund on termination or resignation of employment if necessary.  Employees in their first year of service may be granted anticipated annual leave proportionate to their length of service. 

      5.5.9 Holiday pay shall be calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Holidays Act 2003 except as provided under 4.13 above.

  • 5.6 Annual Leave for Rostered employees | Te Wehenga ā-Tau mā ngā Kaimahi ā-Raupapa
    • 5.6.1 These provisions will only apply to employees who have been placed on the Rostered scale hours of work (clause 3.1.2 (b) refers). 

      5.6.2 Rostered employees are entitled to five weeks paid annual leave per annum, to be taken on days when the school is closed. After the five week entitlement is exhausted, rostered employees will continue to be on paid time off for the remainder of the days that the school is closed (unless they are on approved leave without pay, or planning, preparation or professional development). 

      5.6.3 The employer will endeavour to arrange matters at the school in such a way that any requirement under this section is not unreasonable.  By prior arrangement the employee’s own initiatives in undertaking work for the above purposes may be counted when applying this clause. 

      5.6.4 It is agreed that days when the school is not open for instruction shall constitute ‘working days’ for the purposes of 5.2.1 above. 

      5.6.5 Days when the school is not open for instruction (Closed School periods) cannot attract overtime or penal time, as such payments are only ever due for actual penal or overtime worked by Rostered employees during Open School periods.  The salary payable during such Closed School periods will be at the average weekly earnings rate as calculated according to clause 4.13.2.

  • 5.7 Parental Leave | Te Wehenga ā-Mātua
    • 5.7.1 Parental Leave will be granted in accordance with the provisions of the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987.  The following is a guide to the four types of leave available to employees who qualify:  

        1. Primary carer leave for one continuous period, not exceeding 26 weeks;
        2. Special leave totalling up to 10 days (without pay) for reasons connected with the pregnancy;
        3. Partner's leave of either 1 week or 2 weeks depending on the circumstances of the employee (without pay);
        4. Extended parental leave for the primary carer or the person assuming responsibility for the care of the child, for either 26 weeks to 52 weeks depending on the circumstances of the employee (without pay).  

      5.7.2      Employees intending to take parental leave are required to give at least 3 months notice in writing, supported by a doctor's or midwife's certificate, confirming the pregnancy and expected date of delivery or in the event of an adoption, provide the employer with notice within 14 days of the employee receiving notice confirming the adoption.

      5.7.3      The employer agrees to uphold the presumption in Part V of the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987 that an employee's position can be kept open during extended parental leave, except in exceptional circumstances. 

      Note: Clauses 5.7.1 to 5.7.3 summarise, but do not take the place of the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987. A copy of the Act and other associated material is also available on www.employment.govt.nz. 

      5.7.4 Parental Grant

        1. Where an employee, who is entitled to parental leave of up to 52 weeks, returns to duty before or at the expiration of the leave and completes a further 6 months service, they qualify for a payment equivalent to 30 working days leave on pay, i.e. at the rate applying for the 30 working days immediately following their ceasing duty.
        2. Provided that, if both male and female partners are employed in the School, or the employee's partner is employed in the State Sector, and are both eligible for payment, then they are entitled to 1 and only 1 payment, and they may choose (after they have qualified) who will receive it.
        3. Any adjustments to the salary scale that are backdated into the period covered will apply.
        4. An employee who is absent on parental leave for less than 6 weeks (30 working days) will receive that proportion of the payment that their absence represents in working days.
        5. Any payment is to be based on the percentage rate of employment prior to absence on parental leave.  However, a woman who works less than full normal hours for a short period only, prior to her commencing parental leave, may have her case for full payment considered by the employer.
  • 5.8 Special Leave With or Without Pay | Te Wehenga Motuhake, Whai Utu, Utu Kore rānei
    • 5.8.1 An employee may be granted special leave with or without pay. Placement on return from special leave without pay of more than 1 month is conditional on a suitable vacancy being available at the School, and grading cannot be guaranteed.  An employee who cannot be placed in employment on return will be given 3 months' notice in writing that employment is to be terminated. 

      5.8.2 Examples of the type of leave that could be taken as special leave with or without pay at the employer's discretion: 

        • Leave without pay to work for the PSA.
        • Leave without pay to accompany a partner on an overseas posting.
        • Study Leave - where the course of study is of value to the employer.
        • Outward Bound - paid leave and/or payment of fees.
        • Conferences and Conventions - paid leave may be granted to attend conferences and conventions of value to the employer. 

      Note: The employer will take into account the needs of the School and the employee in dealing with applications for study leave.  In addition to leave for study, the employer may grant leave for examinations, reimburse course fees wholly or in part and assist with travel costs.

      Note: Leave without pay interrupts but does not break service.

  • 5.10 Sickness at Home | Te Māuiui i te Kāinga
    • Employees may be granted leave on pay as a charge against their sick leave entitlement when the employee must be absent from work because their spouse, partner or a person who depends upon the employee for care, is sick or injured.

  • 5.9 Sick Leave | Te Wehenga Māuiui
    • 5.9.1 The employer shall grant 10 working days sick leave per annum, with the first entitlement falling due on the date of appointment. Unused entitlement accumulates. No deduction from sick leave will be made for absences of less than 2 hours. 

      5.9.2 The employee intending to take sick leave must notify the employer as early as possible before the employee is due to start work or, if this is not practicable, as early as possible after that time. 

      5.9.3 The employer may decide that sick leave on pay of any special nature shall not be included in the aggregate of sick leave taken; but such leave is to be noted on the employee's leave record. 

      5.9.4 Where absence on sick leave, whether with or without pay, extends beyond three consecutive days, the employees may be required to produce a medical certificate signed by a registered health practitioner stating the probable period of absence, at their expense. 

      5.9.5 Where the employee absent on sick leave is suspected of being absent from duty without sufficient cause, the employee may be directed to submit to medical examination by a registered medical practitioner.  The employer shall meet the employee’s reasonable expenses in obtaining the medical certificate. 

      5.9.6 When sickness occurs during annual leave, the employer may permit the period of sickness to be debited against sick leave entitlement except where the sickness occurs during leave following termination of employment. 

      5.9.7 Rostered employees under clause 5.6 shall not have sick leave debited when the school is closed for instruction except where it occurs on a day specified for planning, preparation and professional development as per clause 3.1.2 (b) (iii). 

      5.9.8 The employer may permit employees to anticipate their next sick leave entitlement.  Provided that the employee agrees the necessary adjustments will be made to final pay should an employee resign before the next entitlement falls due. 

      5.9.9 Accumulated sick leave as at the date of coming into force of this agreement will be retained by employees.

  • 5.11 Retirement | Te Tāokinga
    • 5.11.1 Principle
      The employer acknowledges the benefit of employees planning for their retirement. Prior to retirement, or as a transition to retirement, various options may be explored, taking into account the operational needs of the employer. Such options include working reduced hours, job sharing and/or gradual retirement. 

      5.11.2 Definition
      Retirement is:

        1. when an employee intends to make a permanent and voluntary change to their lifestyle by ceasing or significantly curtailing permanent paid employment; or
        2. when an employee intends to retire on the grounds of a medical condition and therefore intends to cease or significantly curtail permanent paid employment on this basis. 

      5.11.3 An employee may retire:

        1. voluntarily; or
        2. on medical grounds; or
        3. by agreement between the employer and employee.
  • 5.12 Bereavement/Tangihanga Leave | Te Wehenga Tangihanga
    • 5.12.1 An employee shall be granted special bereavement leave on full pay to discharge their obligations and/or pay their respects to a deceased person with whom they have had a close association. Such obligations may exist because of blood or family ties or because of particular cultural requirements such as attendance at all or part of a Tangihanga (or its equivalent). 

      5.12.2 In granting time off the employer must administer these provisions in a culturally sensitive manner taking into account: 

        1. The closeness of the association between the employee and the deceased (Note: This association need not be a blood relationship);
        2. Whether the employee has to take significant responsibility for any or all of the arrangements to do with the ceremonies resulting from the death;
        3. The amount of time needed to discharge properly any responsibilities or obligations;
        4. Reasonable travelling time should be allowed, but for cases involving overseas travel that may not be the full period of travel;
        5. A decision must be made as quickly as possible so that the employee is given the maximum time possible to make any arrangements necessary. In most cases the necessary approval will be given immediately, but may be given retrospectively where necessary;
        6. If paid special leave is not appropriate then annual leave or leave without pay should be granted.
        7. The minimum requirements as per s70 of the Holidays Act 2003 (in summary 3 days for a family member; 1 day for a close associate).
  • 5.13 Accident Leave | Te Wehenga Hauata
    • 5.13.1 Accident leave is granted pursuant to the Accident Compensation Act 2001(external link)

      5.13.2 The employer will continue to pay employees who are absent from work due to a work related accident for up to 6 months from the date of the accident.  Working days during the first week after the accident will be on special paid accident leave.  Thereafter, one day of sick leave shall be deducted for each week of absence (to make up the difference between earnings related compensation and basic salary).  Where there is no sick leave entitlement, the employer will grant special paid accident leave.

  • 5.14 Jury Service and Witness Leave | Te Wehenga Ratonga Whakawā me te Kaiwhakaatu
    • 5.14.1 An employee will be granted paid leave for jury service. Expenses may be retained by the employee but all juror's fees are to be paid to the employer unless an employee elects to take annual leave or leave without pay in which case the fees may be retained. 

      5.14.2 Witness Leave 

        1. Where an employee is called as a witness in a private capacity for a criminal or traffic case up to 3 days paid leave may be granted. The employee is to recover fees and expenses from the party calling the witness, and repay the fees to the employer.
        2. Where an employee is called as a witness in a private capacity for other than a criminal or traffic case, annual leave or leave without pay may be granted. The employee is to pay any expenses incurred and is to retain such fees and expenses as may be awarded by the court.
  • 5.15 Family Violence Leave | Te Whakarekereke ā-Whānau
    • 5.15.1 This clause reflects statutory entitlements available as at the date this collective agreement comes into force.

      5.15.2 Family violence includes physical, sexual, and psychological abuse or threats of abuse against an employee by any other person with whom the employee is, or has been, in a family relationship. It includes a pattern of behaviour (done, for example, to isolate from family members or friends) that is made up of a number of acts that are all or any of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and psychological abuse, and that may have 1 or both of the following features:

        1. it is coercive or controlling (because it is done against the person to coerce or control, or with the effect of coercing or controlling, the person).
        2. it causes the person, or may cause the person, cumulative harm.

      5.15.3 The employer recognises that employees sometimes face situations of violence or abuse in their personal life that may affect their attendance, performance and / or their safety at work. The employer is committed to supporting employees that experience or are at risk of experience family violence or abusive behaviour and employees seeking to deal with their own violence.

      5.15.4 This means supporting employees who are experiencing family violence to ask for and receive confidential help and support, including access to appropriate help.

      5.15.5 Employees who are experiencing family violence are encouraged to raise it with their manager or human resources. An employee may also go through a support person, such as a PSA delegate, family violence response coordinator, family violence champion or colleague.

      5.15.6 All personal information concerning family violence will be kept confidential. No information will be kept on personal files without the employee being notified.

      5.15.7 In general, no adverse action will be taken against an employee if their attendance or performance at work suffers as a result of experiencing family violence, however the employer expects employees and their manager to work together to ensure normal working duties are fulfilled.

      5.15.8 Where appropriate, consideration will be given to flexible working options and other workplace support such as changing telephone numbers or work areas, where possible screening incoming calls or enforcement of a protection order.

      5.15.9 Family Violence Leave: An employee experiencing family violence can access up to ten days paid leave per year for medical appointments, legal proceedings, counselling sessions and / or other matters related to the family violence. Should an employee exhaust their entitlement to leave under this clause, they may be able to access special leave (an employee is not expected to exhaust other leave first).

  • 5.16 First Aid Training | Te Whakangungu Rongoā Tuatahi
    • 5.16.1 Employees required by the employer to attend a first aid training course shall be granted paid leave during work hours, or time in lieu at the employer's convenience if attending the course outside work hours. Course fees will be paid by the employer.

  • 5.17 Disregarded Sick Leave
    • 5.17.1 Disregarded sick leave will be granted where the employer is satisfied that the employee has contracted a notifiable infectious disease listed in Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the Health Act 1956, and is either:

      1. complying with a written request or direction from a Medical Officer of Health to refrain from attending school for a specified period, or
      2. is otherwise prevented from attending work by a relevant Public Health Order.

      5.17.2 The employee shall produce:

      1. a medical certificate or other evidence of illness, as required by their employer, for absences exceeding two days; and
      2. evidence of the written request or direction from the Medical Officer of Health or a copy of the relevant Public Health Order.

      5.17.3 The maximum number of days of sick leave that can be disregarded is the lesser of:

      1. The period specified by the Medical Officer of Health or the relevant Public Health Order; or
      2. The number of days of paid sick leave available to the employee on the day prior to the first day of the period specified by the Medical Officer of Health or Public Health Order.

      5.17.4 Where paid sick leave has been deducted for any period subsequently granted as disregarded sick leave under clause 5.17.1 above, the sick leave will be reinstated.