The IEU stands with our members on the Mid North Coast and North Coast who recently endured the effects of cyclone Alfred.
Almost 250 schools and many early childhood services throughout the region were closed for a few days in the face of strong winds, torrential rain and potential flooding.
We take this opportunity to provide a recap on your provisions in the face of natural disasters:
All school staff and early childhood staff: If your school is closed because of flooding, you should be able to work from home and not be required to take leave of any kind.
Catholic diocesan schools: If your school is open but you cannot get to work because of flooding, in most cases you are eligible for paid emergency disaster leave of up to five days.
Independent schools covered by the Association of Independent Schools (AIS) multi-enterprise agreement: If your school is open but you cannot get to work because of flooding, you may be entitled to up to two days of paid natural disaster leave under your MEA. You may also be entitled to personal/carer’s leave in some circumstances.
Early childhood services: If your service is open but you cannot get to work because of flooding and if you have an enterprise agreement, check the wording of your agreement to see if you are entitled to emergency disaster leave. If the flooding means you need to care for a family member because of this unexpected emergency, you may be entitled to take personal/carer’s leave.