Parental Leave Win for Member at City of Sydney

Parental Leave Requested More Than 12 Months in Advance

In July 2025, a City of Sydney USU member welcomed a child with their partner and submitted a request to take parental leave in September 2026.

The application was lodged more than a year in advance and amended several times to accommodate operational needs. The member’s supervisor supported the request.

Despite this, Council denied the leave.

Council Denied the Request Twice!

With the support of the USU, the member lodged a Stage 1 grievance. Council reviewed the matter but refused the request again, citing operational and work health and safety concerns.

The member then escalated the matter to a Stage 2 grievance through the Union.

Union Challenges Council: Understaffing Is Not a Valid Reason

The USU argued that the refusal was not based on reasonable business or operational grounds.

Council claimed rostering pressures and overdue work as justification. However, the Union highlighted that the team was approved for 16 full-time employees but had been operating with only 12, with four positions vacant. Additional staff had also been seconded to other business units without replacement.

The Council has also had two members of the team on parental leave, with no additional employees working in the team to absorb these employees’ workload.

The USU made it clear that understaffing should not disadvantage a worker seeking to care for their child; especially when more than 12 months’ notice had been provided.

Union Escalates the Matter to Protect Member Rights

The Union formally wrote to Council, advising that escalation to the Industrial Relations Commission was likely if a fair outcome was not reached. Following further discussions, Council agreed to meet with the USU to resolve the dispute.

Council Reverses Its Decision and Approves Parental Leave

After negotiations with the Union, Council approved the parental leave, albeit with conditions. The USU continues to advocate for the removal of these conditions so the member can fully enjoy this important time with their child.