Members in the City of Sydney’s Waste Services section have secured an important clarification to an overtime procedure that had unfairly restricted weekend overtime for workers who took unscheduled leave on a Friday or Monday.
The rule meant members could miss out on overtime even when their leave was for legitimate reasons, such as specialist medical appointments booked months in advance or unexpected caring responsibilities. Delegates raised concerns immediately, arguing that personal leave exists for a reason and that workers shouldn’t be penalised when there is no pattern of misuse and all certification requirements are met.
The USU pushed for a fairer, more realistic approach, and People & Culture have agreed. The procedure will now be applied on a case-by-case basis, restoring common sense and ensuring members are not automatically excluded from overtime opportunities.
The outcome was recently relayed to members who were happy the issue was fixed quickly and fairly.
