Principals (Country and Regional Dioceses) (State) Award 2009
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS COMMISSION OF NEW SOUTH WALES
Application by New South Wales Independent Education Union, Industrial Organisation of Employees.
(No. IRC 2277, 2280 and 2356 of 2008)
Before The Honourable Justice Walton, Vice-President / 15 May 2009AWARD
1. Arrangement
PART A - CONDITIONS
This Award is arranged as follows:
1.Arrangement
2.Definitions
(a)Part-Time Principal
(b)Principal
(c)Diocese
(d)Service Date
(e)Statement of Service
3.Terms of Engagement
3.1Letter of Appointment
3.2Selection and Appointment Procedures
3.3Part-Time Principal
3.4Principal Skill Development
3.5Employer Direction
3.6Statement of Service
4.Salaries and Related Matters
4.1Minimum Annual Salary
4.2Payment of Salary
4.3Travelling Expenses
4.4Overpayment
4.5Annual Remuneration
5.Annual Adjustment of Salary
5.1In Lieu of the Annual Holidays Act, 1944
5.2Application of this Clause
5.3Calculation of Payments
5.4Principals Who Commence Employment after the School Service Date
5.5Principals Who Take Approved Leave Without Pay or Parental Leave
5.6Payment not Less than under Annual Holidays Act, 1944.
6.Annual Holiday Loading
7.Sick Leave
7.1Entitlement
7.2Accumulation
7.3Evidence of Sickness
7.4Portability
7.5 Income Maintenance for Principals on Workers Compensation
8.Catholic Personal/Carer's Leave
8.1Use of Sick Leave to Provide Care and Support for a Family Member
8.2Use of Sick Leave for a Pressing Domestic Necessity
8.3Notification of Intention to Take Leave
8.4Unpaid Leave for Family Purpose
8.5Entitlement for Casual Principals
9.Parental Leave
9.1Maternity Leave
9.2Adoption Leave
9.3Paternity Leave
9.4Prior Service with Another Catholic Diocesan Employer or Catholic Independent School
9.5Casual Principals
9.6Right to Request
9.7Communication During Parental Leave
10.Long Service Leave
10.1Applicability of Long Service Leave Act, 1955
10.2Accrual of Long Service Leave from 30 January 2006
10.3Calculation of Accrual as at 29 January 2006
10.4Entitlement to Long Service Leave and Payment on Termination
10.5Conditions of Taking Leave
10.6Public Holidays and Long Service Leave
10.7Service
10.8Payment in Lieu of Long Service Leave
10.9 Long Service Leave and Leave Without Pay
10.9 Long Service Leave in Short Blocks
11.Other Leave
11.1Bereavement Leave
11.2Military Reserve Leave
11.3Examination Study Leave
11.4Jury Service
11.5Short Community Service
11.6Overseas Volunteer Programs
12.Continuity of Service
13.Termination
13.1Period of Notice
13.2Summary Dismissal
13.3Payment on Termination
13.4Calculation of Payments
13.5Statement of Service
14.Anti-Discrimination
15.Fair Procedures for Investigating Allegations of Reportable Conduct and Exempt Allegations Pursuant to The Ombudsman Act 1974.
15.1Definitions
15.2Natural Justice to Employees in Dealing with Reportable Allegations and Exempt Allegations.
15.3Access to Files
15.4Additional Documentation from Employee
15.5Confidentiality of Documents and Files
16.Disputes Procedure
17.No Extra Claims
18.Superannuation
19.Area, Incidence And Duration
PART B - MONETARY RATES
Table 1 - Wage Rates
Table 1A - Wage Rates - Principals of Small Primary Schools in the Diocese of Wagga Wagga
Table 2 - Other Rates of Pay and Allowances
ANNEXURE A - PORTABILITY
ANNEXURE B - DIOCESE OF LISMORE
2. Definitions
For the purpose of this award:
(a)"Part-Time Principal" shall mean a principal who is employed to work regularly, but for less than a full school week.
(b)"Principal" means a person appointed as such in a Catholic Systemic School conducted by a Diocese.
(b)"Diocese" means one of the Dioceses of Armidale, Bathurst, Lismore, Maitland-Newcastle, Wagga Wagga, Wilcannia-Forbes or Wollongong as appropriate.
(c)"Service Date" means the usual commencement date of employment at a school for principals who are to commence teaching on the first day of the first term.
(d)"Statement of Service" means a statement from an employer on official letterhead that contains a start date, termination date and whether any leave without pay was taken.
3. Terms of Engagement
3.1Letter of Appointment
The employer shall provide a principal on appointment with a letter stating, inter alia, the rate of salary as at appointment and an outline of superannuation benefits available.
3.2Selection and Appointment Procedures
Normally the position of Principal (except where the position is filled temporarily by the Assistant Principal) will be appropriately advertised and appointments will be made following a selection process. Such appointments will be made on the basis of merit and suitability in accordance with documented diocesan selection process and appointment procedures.
3.3Part-Time Principal
(a) The terms of this award shall apply pro rata to a part-time principal on the basis of the principal’s full-time equivalent (FTE).
(b)For the purpose of this subclause, FTE is defined as the proportion which the number of days, or part thereof, worked by a part-time principal bears to the number of days a full-time principal is required to work per week.
3.4Principal Skill Development
(a)Support for Beginning Principals - A principal in his or her first year as a principal shall be afforded Diocesan support in adjusting to the new role and demands of principalship. The principal will participate in such procedures as are afforded.
This process shall be determined by the employer in consultation with the principal to assist the principal's professional development in that role which shall be reviewed regularly throughout the year.
The employer may provide a written statement to the principal, not later than four weeks before the end of the school year, outlining the principal's progress and development.
(b)A principal may request and be given from time to time by the employer appropriate documentation as evidence of the principal's professional development and experience. These documents may, if the principal wishes, form a portfolio which shall remain the property of the principal.
(c)Where the employer considers that a problem exists in relation to the principal's performance, the employer shall not use any agreed skill development process in substitution for, or as an alternative to, in whole or in part, procedures which apply to the handling of such problems.
3.5Employer Direction
An employer may direct a principal to carry out such duties as are within the limits of the principal's skill, competence and/or training.
3.6Statement of Service
Upon the termination of service of a principal, the employer shall provide a statement of service.
4. Salaries and Related Matters
4.1Minimum Annual Salary
(a)The minimum annual salary payable to principals shall be set out in Table 1 -
Principals Salary Schedule of Part B - Monetary Rates provided that the rates shown for principals of primary schools with enrolment bands of 1-100 shall only apply to principals in the Dioceses of Bathurst, Lismore and Wilcannia-Forbes. Table 1A - Principals of Small Primary Schools Diocese of Wagga Wagga shall apply to Principals of such schools with enrolments of 100 children or less. Fortnightly salaries shall be ascertained by dividing the annual salaries by 365/14 with the answer rounded to two decimal points.
(b)This paragraph applies in circumstances where the enrolment at a school varies, such that the Principal is in a different enrolment band for the purpose of salary payable pursuant to paragraph (a) of this sub-clause and Table 1 - Salaries of Part B - Monetary Rates.
If the enrolment of a school at the August census date increases such that a different enrolment band is applicable, then the salary of the Principal shall increase from the beginning of the following school year.
If the enrolment of a school increases at the February census date such that a different enrolment band is applicable and such increase is maintained in the August census date, then the salary of the Principal shall be increased from the beginning of that school year.
If the enrolment of a school decreases at a census date such that a lower enrolment band is applicable, the salary of the Principal shall be nevertheless maintained at the higher band until the end of the current contract of the Principal. Where the contract of the Principal is subsequently renewed at the same school, the salary of the Principal for the subsequent contract shall be determined in accordance with the documented diocesan policy (such salary being not less than the applicable salary pursuant to paragraph (a) of this sub-clause).
4.2Payment of Salary
(a)The salary payable to a principal, pursuant to this clause shall, be paid fortnightly.
(b)The salary payable to a principal, pursuant to this clause, shall be payable at the election of the employer by either cash, cheque or Electronic Funds Transfer into an account nominated by the employee.
4.3Travelling Expenses
(a)Where a principal is required to provide transport in connection with the principal's employment, other than for journeys between home and place of employment, the principal shall be paid the allowance per kilometre of travel as set out in Table 2 - Other rates of Pay and Allowances, of "Part B - Monetary Rates". In the case of the Diocese of Lismore refer to Annexure B of this award. Provided that in relation to the Dioceses of Armidale, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga and Wilcannia-Forbes the applicable allowance per kilometre of travel shall be that which applies to teachers in the particular Diocese.
(b)Travelling and other out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred by a principal in the course of duties required by the employer shall be reimbursed by the employer.
4.4Overpayment
Where an employer becomes aware that payments have been made over or under entitlements the principal shall be notified and the parties shall attempt to reach agreement on the money due or to be recovered. If the parties are unable to reach agreement, either party may have recourse to the Disputes Procedure.
4.5Annual Remuneration
(a)Notwithstanding subclause 4.1 of this clause, a principal may elect to receive his or her annual remuneration as a combination of salary (payable fortnightly) and benefits payable by the employer. The sum total of such salary, benefits, Fringe Benefits Tax and any employer administrative charge will equal the appropriate salary prescribed in the said subclause 4.1.
(b)The employer will determine the range of benefits available to the principal and the principal may determine the mix and level of benefits as provided in paragraph (a) of this subclause.
(c)Any other payment calculated by reference to the principal’s salary and payable either:
(i)during employment; or
(ii)on termination of employment; or
(iii)on death
shall be at the rate of pay as set out in the relevant table.
5. Annual Adjustment of Salary
5.1In Lieu of the Annual Holidays Act, 1944
This clause will apply:
(a)in lieu of the corresponding provisions of the Annual Holidays Act 1944; and
(b)notwithstanding any other provisions of this award.
5.2Application of this Clause
The provisions of this clause shall apply as set out in the relevant sub-clauses where:
(a)a principal commences employment after the school service date; or
(b)a principal takes approved leave without pay or unpaid parental leave for a period which (in total) exceeds 20 pupil days in any year.
5.3Calculation of Payments
A payment made pursuant to this clause shall be calculated in accordance with the following formula:
Step 1 / A x B / = / DC
Step 2 / D - E / = / F
Step 3 / F x G / = / H
2
where:
A = The number of term weeks worked by the principal since the school service date
B = The number of non-term weeks in the school year
C = The number of term weeks in the school year
D = Result in weeks
E = The number of non-term weeks worked by the principal since the school service date
F = Result in weeks
G = The principal’s current fortnightly salary
H = Amount Due
5.4Principals Who Commence Employment after the School Service Date
(a)A principal who commences employment after the school service date shall be paid from the date the principal commences provided that, at the end of Term IV, the principal shall be paid an amount calculated pursuant to sub-clause 5.3 of this clause and shall receive no other salary until his or her return to work in the following school year.
(b)In each succeeding year of employment, the anniversary of appointment of the principal for the purposes of this clause shall be deemed to be the school service date.
5.5Principals Who Take Approved Leave Without Pay or Parental Leave
Where a principal takes leave without pay or unpaid parental leave with the approval of the employer for a period which (in total) exceeds 20 pupil days in any year, the principal shall be paid salary calculated in accordance with this clause as follows:
(a)If the leave commences and concludes in the same school year payment shall be calculated and made at the conclusion of Term IV of that school year.
(b)If the leave is to conclude in a school year following the school year in which the leave commenced:
(i)at the commencement of the leave a payment shall be calculated and made in respect of the school year in which the leave commences; and
(ii)at the end of Term IV in the school year in which the leave concludes a payment shall be calculated and made in respect of that school year.
(c)Where a principal who has received a payment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this sub-clause returns from leave in the same year rather than the next school year as anticipated, then the principal shall be paid at the conclusion of Term IV as follows:
(i)by applying the formula in sub-clause 5.3 as if no payment had been made to the principal at the commencement of leave;
(ii)by deducting from that amount the amount earlier paid to the principal.
5.6Payment not Less than under Annual Holidays Act, 1944
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of subclause 5.1 of this clause, a principal shall not, pursuant to this clause, be paid an amount in respect of a year of employment which is less than the amount to which the principal would otherwise be entitled under the provisions of the Annual Holidays Act 1944 in respect of a year of employment.
6. Annual Holiday Loading
6.1Subject to sub-clause 6.6 of this clause, where a principal is given and takes his or her annual holiday commencing at the beginning of the school summer vacation each year he or she shall be paid an annual holiday loading calculated in accordance with this clause.
6.2The loading shall be payable in addition to the pay payable to the principal for the period of the school vacation.
6.3The loading shall be calculated:
In relation to such period of a principal's annual holiday as is equal to the period of annual holiday to which the principal is entitled for the time being under the Annual Holidays Act 1944,
(a)at the end of each year of his or her employment or, where relevant,
(b)the period of annual leave calculated under subclause 6.6.
6.4The loading shall be the amount payable for the period specified in subclause 6.3 or 6.6 of this clause at the rate of 17½ per cent of the weekly equivalent of the principal's annual salary.
6.5For the purposes of this clause, "salary" shall mean the salary payable to the principal at 1 December of the year in which the loading is payable.
Provided that, where subclause 6.6 of this clause applies, "salary" shall mean the salary payable immediately prior to the payment made to the principal pursuant to clause 5 Annual Adjustment of Salary or Clause 14 Termination.
6.6Where a principal receives a payment pursuant to subclause 5.3 or Clause 14 Termination of this award, including the case where a principal's employment is terminated during the school year for a reason other than misconduct, he or she shall be entitled to be paid for that part of such fraction of the annual holiday loading he or she would be entitled to for the full school year as is equal to the fraction which the number of school weeks worked by him or her in that year bears to the number of school weeks he or she would be normally required by the employer to work in a full school year.
7.SICK LEAVE
7.1Entitlement
Any full-time principal shall be entitled to paid sick leave in respect of any absence on account of illness or injury and subject to the following conditions and limitations:
(a)In respect of each year of service with an employer, the period of sick leave shall, subject to subclause 7.2 of this clause, not exceed in any year of service 25 working days on full pay.
(b)A principal shall not be entitled to paid sick leave for any period in respect of which such principal is entitled to workers' compensation.
(c)A principal shall not be entitled to paid sick leave unless he or she notifies the Regional Director of the school (or such other person deputised by the Director) prior to the commencement of the first organised activity at the school on any day, of the nature of the illness and of the estimated duration of the absence; provided that paid sick leave shall be available if the principal took all reasonable steps to notify the Regional Director or was unable to take such steps.
(d)The sick leave entitlement of a parttime principal shall be in that proportion which the number of days, or part thereof, worked by a part-time principal bear to the number of days a full-time principal is required to work per week.
7.2Accumulation
Sick leave shall accumulate from year to year as follows:
(a)Untaken sick leave in any year of service with an employer shall be accumulated, provided that a principal shall only be entitled to the sick leave accumulated in respect of the 6 years of continuous service immediately preceding the current year of service and the maximum accumulation shall not exceed 150 days on full pay.
(b)Sick leave which accrues to a principal at the commencement of a year of service pursuant to subclause 7.1 of this clause shall be taken prior to the taking of any sick leave which the principal has accumulated in accordance with this subclause.
7.3Evidence of Sickness
(a)In each year, with the exception of the first two days absence due to illness, a principal shall, upon request, provide a medical certificate addressed to the employer or, if the employer requires, to a medical practitioner nominated by the employer.
(b)Where a principal has taken frequent single days of sick leave, or taken extended sick leave such that the employer requires additional information in relation to the principal's sickness, then the employer may take action in accordance with this subclause.
(i)The employer may arrange a meeting in order to clarify the position with the principal. The employer shall invite the principal to respond verbally to the issues raised by the employer. If the principal is a union member then the principal may seek union advice and assistance.
(ii)After consideration of the principal's response the employer may:
(A)require further evidence of illness; and/or
(B)request the principal to obtain a second opinion from another doctor at the employer's cost; and/or
(C)request a more detailed estimation of the likely length of the absence; and/or
(D)require the principal to obtain a medical report (at the employer's cost) in relation to the likely period of absence; and/or.
(E)discuss with the principal any other action.
(iii)The principal may, if a member of the union, request that this matter be discussed at any stage between the union and the employer.
(iv)The parties agree to meet to review the operation of this subclause after the award has been in place for twelve months, if either party to the award so requests.