All employees, other than casuals, are entitled to sick leave when they are unable to work due to personal injury or illness. The amount of paid sick leave you are entitled to is covered under your EBA.
Should you need to provide documentation to support your leave, Statutory Declarations (Stat Decs) as well as medical certificates are acceptable.
Remember, you do not have to disclose your illness if it’s not work related and you don’t want to. This is personal information and advising that you have a medical condition or an injury will suffice. That is all that is required on your medical certificate or Stat Dec as well.
According to the AMA’s (Australian Medical Association) Guidelines for Medical Practitioners on Certificates Certifying Illness 2011:
“6.1 Employers should recognise the right of their employees to keep details of their medical condition confidential. Employers should not expect to see a diagnosis on the certificate. Employers should also recognise that the certification by the medical practitioner of an employee’s unfitness for work is sufficient.”
Staff should notify the company of their inability to attend work as soon as reasonably practicable. For Qantas staff notice should be provided, except in exceptional circumstances, no later than 2 hours from the commencement of the absence. Your notice of absence should also include an estimate of how long you will be away from the workplace.
Union members are entitled to be represented in all meetings with management. If you have any questions, or are experiencing any difficulties in relation to your sick leave contact your local ASU delegates or ASU organiser.