Leave

Leave is time away from work that can be taken for a number of reasons, such as caring for sick family members or going on a holiday. Australian workers and their unions have fought for and won a range of important leave and holiday entitlements that are among the best in the world. Minimum leave entitlements are included in the National Employment Standards. Your award, enterprise agreement or contract of employment may include extra leave entitlements. In this section you will find information on:

Reproductive leave

Reproductive leave is only available at a handful of workplaces in Australia – but union members are working to expand this reach

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/reproductive-leave/

Family and Domestic Violence Leave

This fact sheet outlines the rules for taking 10 days paid Family and Domestic Violence leave

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/family-and-domestic-violence-leave/

Keeping in touch days

Keeping in touch days exist to help employees caring for a new baby or adopted child stay updated with the workplace and their colleagues, refresh their skills and take the pressure off transitioning back to work.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/keeping-in-touch-days/

Paternity Leave and Partner Leave Australia

As a partner to a new parent, you may be able to access minimum entitlements to unpaid leave from your employer as well as payments funded by the government.  If you are the primary carer or birth mother of the child and you usually work, please be sure to also read our section on parental leave…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/paternity-leave/

Paid Parental Leave Eligibility in Australia

The Federal Government provides new parents in Australia with the Paid Parental Leave Scheme. The goal of paid parental leave is to provide new parents with a period of time away from work to look after their new child, rest and recuperate. This scheme currently offers up to 18 weeks of paid leave for workers while you care…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/parental-leave/

Carer’s Leave & Compassionate Leave

Both sick and carer’s leave and compassionate leave allow you to take time off work when you need to – without losing income. Like most of your rights at work, these types of leave became law after the union movement campaigned for them and won. Sick and carer’s leave Sick and carer’s leave, also known…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/carers-leave/

Leave entitlements during natural disasters

There is presently no specific universal form of leave to allow employees to be absent from work due to the impact of a natural disaster. If you are affected by a natural disaster, you can apply for annual leave, long service leave or other leave that is available to you. You may also be able…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/leave-entitlements-during-natural-disasters/

Natural disasters and stand downs

Stand downs during a natural disaster In some circumstances, such as during a natural disaster, an employer may have the right to stand down an employee for a period during which the employee cannot be usefully employed. A stand down is when an employer cannot usefully employ a worker because of any stoppage of work…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/natural-disasters-and-stand-downs/

Leave Loading – What Is It and Who Gets It?

Leave loading is an extra payment given on top of annual leave pay. Also known as holiday loading or annual leave loading.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/leave-loading/

Sick and Carer’s and Compassionate Leave

Both sick and carer’s leave and compassionate leave allow you to take time off work when you need to – without losing income. Like most of your rights at work, these types of leave became law after the union movement campaigned for them and won. Sick and carer’s leave Sick and carer’s leave, also known…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/sick-and-carers-and-compassionate-leave/

Long Service Leave

Your long service leave entitlement depends on the state and territory laws where you are employed, or on your Award, enterprise agreement or other registered agreement.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/long-service-leave/

Public Holidays

Public holidays are government set days of the year where employees can be absent from work for the day, or part of the day. You must still be paid your base rate of pay for this day, unless you are a casual employee. These entitlements form part of the National Employment Standards (NES). Some public holidays can…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/public-holidays/

Annual Leave

Understanding Your Leave Entitlements Annual leave, also known as holiday pay, allows you to be paid while you take time off work. Annual leave became standard in 1970 after a hard-fought union campaign. Full-time, permanent employees have the right to four weeks of annual leave. If you work part-time you are entitled to the same…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/annual-leave/

Maternity Leave

Maternity leave is formally known as parental leave. It gives you the right to take time off work if you are having or adopting a child. You can take maternity or paternity leave when: Most Awards and enterprise agreements offer maternity leave. This leave is often unpaid, however some awards and agreements also offer paid maternity leave. You may…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/maternity-leave/