Changes to Victoria’s long-service leave laws come into effect today.
The TWU (Vic/Tas Branch) was part of the push that forced these changes and they are a BIG win for workers.
The laws mean a range of new rights and responsibilities for employers and employees.
The key changes are:
– Employees can apply for long-service leave after seven years, not 10
– Employees can take leave in smaller increments, down to one day or more
– Unpaid leave, including parental leave, counts towards long-service leave
– Most absences from work do not break continuous employment
– Increased penalties for employers who don’t keep records
– Greater flexibility for women, families and people transitioning to retirement