Telecommunications
Telstra sick leave: know your rights
(1 February 2010) CEPU members are reporting an increased number of requests from Telstra management to provide proof that they have been sick when they have taken leave. In some cases, the requests have been made weeks after the leave was actually taken.
Members should be clear about their rights in this area. These are governed by the Telstra General Conditions of Employment Award (Clause 25.4).
The Award allows you a total of up to five days paid sick leave without your having to provide a medical certificate.
However, you must provide evidence of illness/injury if:
· you take more than three days sick leave in a row or
· you are asked to produce evidence that you were sick/injured within one day of your return to work.
So you cannot be required to produce evidence for short periods of sick leave (i.e. fewer than four days) unless the request is made the day you come back. If you are asked to produce evidence in these circumstances, it can be in the form of a statutory declaration.
For more information, contact the CEPU via feedback@cepu.asn.au