From 9 days off to 8 is that really a win?

By Preview_H. Flickr

 Last Friday we all received the follow email from Anne Dwyer stating that: 

Colleagues,
I refer to the previous announcement to staff regarding Christmas leave (HR Director, 21 Sept)  which advised the University would close on 24th December and re-open on the 31st  December. This decision was taken to optimise the break period for staff when combining  the public holidays and the 3 University closure days and resulted in an uninterrupted break of 9 days.

As a courtesy, the University contacted both the CPSU and the NTEU to inform them of the changed arrangements for Christmas close-down.  I am advised that the CSPU, on behalf of its members, responded in support of this action.

The NTEU, however, held a different view and informed the University of a dispute in relation to the close-down arrangements.  The NTEU position is that the University should open on 24 December and close until 31st December, which provides a continuous closure period of 8 days.  The University had hoped the NTEU would be more flexible and prepared to consider alternative arrangements.  Regrettably that has not been the case and the University does not wish to expend further resources disputing the matter.

Accordingly, the University will amend the arrangements as follows:

Monday 24 December - University open (staff may take leave)

Tuesday 25 December - Tuesday 1 January (inclusive)-  University closed

Staff who have leave already approved over this period or who have already applied to take 31 December as a leave day will not be required to resubmit a leave application as the system will make the adjustment automatically. 

Staff who are planning their leave arrangements, but have not yet submitted their leave request will need to be mindful of the changed arrangements set out above.

Regards

Anne Dwyer