Imagine dedicating 45 years of your life to your workplace and your community, only to be denied the chance to retire on your own terms. This exact thing happened recently to Greg Male, long-serving librarian and proud USU member at Northern Beaches Council.
After decades of service, Greg made the decision to take his long service leave and retire. But instead of being supported, Council rejected his request multiple times, claiming operational needs couldn’t accommodate the time off. This was despite Greg making it clear that he intended to retire and that his role could be immediately filled.
Greg contacted the USU for support and his Union Organiser took immediate action; writing to Council, meeting with HR, and clearly outlining how their actions breached the Local Government (State) Award. Throughout the process, Council attempted to negotiate alternate arrangements, but Greg and the union stood firm.
Eventually, Council backed down and Greg’s leave has been approved in full.
Employers can’t forget workers are people and every decision they make has real impact on real lives.
We want to congratulate Greg on his retirement and thank you for showing what’s possible when workers know their rights.
