As you are possibly aware, the unions have called for 'stop work' action on Tuesday 26 February in protest to the Government's decision on reforming the electricity industry. The unions are organising a rally on that day at Parliament House. I understand that the rally is to commence at 11 am. Core times under the Crown Employees (Public Service Conditions of Employment) Award are 9.30 am to 3.30 pm excluding a lunch break of 1 hour.

Consistent with usual practice for ‘stop work' action, the following advice should be issued to staff and managers within your organisation:

• Employees who absent themselves from work within core times on 26 February will not be paid for any time lost.
• Any applications for recreation or extended leave, flex time, adjusted core times received after 21 February should not be approved, except in exceptional emergency circumstances.
• Applications for lunch breaks in excess of 1 hour should not be approved.
• Any claims for sick/carer's leave for 26 February must be supported by a medical certificate.

Please ensure that there are arrangements in place to ensure that staff who are absent from the workplace without approval on 26 February 2008 are not paid for the period of the absence.
This Circular applies to all public service departments. Chief Executives of other agencies are encouraged to apply provisions consistent with this advice.

Robyn Kruk
Director General

Issued : Public Sector Workforce Office
Contact: Cathryn Hellams
EMail: cathryn.hellams@dpc.nsw.gov.au
Telephone no: 9228 3531 Facsimile: 9228 4056
File no: PSM/12267
Date: 21/02/08

This circular has not superseded any other Memorandum/Circular