AUXILIARY UPDATE : 18 november 2019

Important notice regarding the taking of leave

It has been reported to us that a couple of QFES managers have recently attempted to “refuse” periods of leave.

As Auxiliary firefighters, you are employed on a casual basis. This means that you do not need to seek the approval of QFES to take a leave of absence and that QFES cannot “refuse” unpaid leave.

You are required to inform QFES when you intend to take leave for seven days or longer, but QFES cannot stop you from taking this leave, nor can they claim that the leave is “not approved”.

The only time that you need to seek approval is when you are accessing your paid long service leave, which becomes available after ten (10) years’ service.

QFES have recently confirmed this in correspondence to your union. Please contact your local delegate or the union state office if your QFES manager is attempting to “refuse” or “not approve” a leave of absence.

John Oliver - General Secretary