REMINDER: TESL Balance Reduction

As members are aware, ASMOF is in dispute with the Ministry of Health over the unilateral reduction of TESL Balances of Staff Specialists.

We are reminding our members of the following:

At ASMOF’s request, the Ministry have noted that “Staff Specialists who have an apparent negative balance; and/or who have taken other types of leave for training, education of study purposes since balances have been displayed in StaffLink from 2016 and/or whose planning to use TESL in the near future is affected by disagreement about balances; will be addressed first in the process. Appropriate consideration will be made to overcome actual or potential detriment to the specific Staff Specialists in these circumstances”.

We note that members have already contacted us in relation to the detriment this has had on them, and this has been recorded. As this is an ongoing matter, and to ensure we have the most accurate records as we enter this review process, we are requesting members contact us detailing, and if possible provide evidence, any detriment you have faced as a result of this decision.

For example:

1. Are you in negative balance?
2. Have you had to take alternative forms of leave, including leave without pay, to take your TESL?
3. Have you had to cancel pre-approved TESL?
4. Have you been underpaid as a result of going into negative leave whilst on TESL?

As stated previously, we can only assist members who contact us. For the benefit of your colleagues, please share this email. Furthermore, please notify any non-members who have been affected to contact us immediately, as we cannot negotiate any adjustments at this time if they are not a member.

ASMOF will send members affected the agreed principles between ASMOF and the Ministry as soon as they are finalised.

Please contact Industrial Officer Damien Lee if you have been impacted in anyway via damienl@asmof.org.au, or alternatively, at the ASMOF Office on 9212 6900