NAIDOC week celebrations will be held in 2017 from 2 – 9 July.
NAIDOC week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
This year NAIDOC week will be held from 2 July 2017 until 9 July 2017.
During NAIDOC week local government employees who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander are entitled to an additional day of paid leave.
To be entitled to this leave you must identify as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person, and provide your employer with at least 7 days notice of you intention to take leave.
This year the USU recommends that you notify your employer of your intention to take leave by no later than Friday 23 June 2017.
Local Government (State) Award 2014
Clause 20. Holidays
A. GENERAL
(i) The days on which holidays shall be observed are as follows: New Years’ Day; Australia Day; Good Friday; Easter Saturday; Easter Monday; Anzac Day; Queen’s Birthday; Labour Day; Christmas Day; Boxing Day and all locally proclaimed holidays within the council’s area, and all special days proclaimed as holidays to be observed throughout the whole of the State of NSW.
(ii) In addition to subclause (i), employees who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders shall be entitled to one day during NAIDOC week so that they can participate in National Aboriginal and Islander Day celebrations. Eligible employees shall provide the employer with at least seven (7) days’ notice of their intention to take the holiday in accordance with this subclause, provided that if less than seven (7) days’ notice is given such leave shall not be unreasonably refused.
(iii) Where any of the holidays prescribed by this Award fall on a day ordinarily worked by the employee, the employee shall not have a reduction in ordinary pay.
(iv) Except as otherwise provided, where an employee is required to work on a holiday as prescribed by this award, the employee shall be paid at double time and a half inclusive of payment for the day with a minimum payment of four hours worked.
(v) All employees classified in the Operational Band 1 of this Award employed in garbage, sanitary and sullage (other than the supervisor) who are required to work on Good Friday or Christmas Day shall be paid at triple time inclusive of payment for the day with a minimum payment of four hours work.
(vi) Where an employee is required to work ordinary hours on a holiday as prescribed by this Award, the employer and the employee may agree that the employee be paid time and a half for the hours worked on a holiday and in addition, be granted equivalent time off in lieu to be paid at ordinary time for each holiday worked. Such leave shall be taken at a mutually convenient time.
If you have any questions about an entitlement to leave during NAIDOC week, or any other entitlements under the Local Government (State) Award 2014 please don’t hesitate to contact your local USU Organiser or the USU head office on 1300 136 604.
For more information visit: www.naidoc.org.au
