Dear Westpac Group Management

We are writing in response to widespread reports in the FSU's Covid-Aware Survey, that Westpac Group staff are being directed to take annual leave prior to 30 September.

This comes at a time when staff are being told they are essential to our community, and in some states are otherwise unable to leave our homes for long periods due to the safety risk posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the current climate, most people want flexibility to use their leave to recuperate at times when they need it to spend time with their family and friends.

While a direction to take annual leave is allowed under some limited circumstances in the Westpac Enterprise Agreement; it is not reasonable or consistent with the EA to set an arbitrary date for annual leave to be taken, or direct staff to take annual leave under the guise of excessive leave.

We the undersigned call on Westpac Group Management to commit to:

1) Apply the Annual Leave arrangements as set out in Clause 22, of the  Westpac Group Enterprise Agreement 2019.

2) Withdraw all requests for staff to take annual leave prior to September 30, 2020. Unless those staff do have excessive leave or otherwise agreed with each employee in writing.

3) Meet with FSU representatives urgently to discuss this issues and agree a way forward.