Did you know the IEU can assist you as you prepare for retirement? Our industrial officers have put together this handy FAQ to answer some of the biggest questions you have as you prepare for this transition.
Please note that the following is a general guide. Enterprise Agreements are subject to change and individual circumstances may affect required notice. Please contact your organiser to confirm how much notice you need to give before you give the notice to your employer.
1. What’s the minimum amount of notice I need to give? (Note: this does not apply to casuals)
The notice required will vary depending on the wording of the industrial instrument (enterprise agreement or award) that applies your employment.
In most cases teachers are required to give between four weeks’ and seven weeks’ notice and general employees (support or operational staff) are required to give between one and four weeks, depending on the length of service with that employer.
Check the industrial instrument that applies to your employment for the number of weeks’ notice required and any additional provisions relating to when you give notice.
2. Can I ask to transition to retirement?
Yes. Under the Fair Work Act (2009) employees who are 55 or over have the right to request a flexible work arrangement. For details see links below and talk to your Organiser.
3. What happens to my long service leave (LSL)?
Members are encouraged to utilise long service leave prior to retirement where possible because
- Employees accrue leave whilst on leave which increases the overall benefit.
- Superannuation is paid on LSL taken, but is not paid if it is paid out as a lump sum at the end of your employment.
4. What happens to my sick leave?
Sick leave will not be paid out on termination.
5. Will I be paid superannuation on my entitlements?
Superannuation is not payable on either annual leave or long service leave that is paid out in a lump sum at the end of your employment. However, in the case of teachers or general employees who are “averaged” (ie are paid for all weeks of the year but work term time only) some enterprise agreements provide that superannuation is payable on the pro rata payment for non-term time paid on termination. Check your agreement.
6. Will I be paid over the Christmas holidays if my finish date is the end of Term 4?
This will depend on the entitlement in the industrial instrument that applies to your employment. For teachers, Christmas holiday pay will be determined by the non-term time pro rata payment provision in your agreement. Where a teacher works a full year, and retires at the conclusion of a school year, they will be normally be entitled to be paid for the non-term period over the Christmas break. If you are finishing at the end of Term 4, this will normally be paid as a lump sum when you finish.
7. Can I maintain my union membership?
The IEU has a retired members branch with significantly reduced fees. Maintaining your membership will allow you to stay in touch with the profession and your union.
8. Can I still work casually?
Teachers can still work casually after you resign from your normal position. Remember to adjust your union membership to the casual rate to ensure you are still covered and keep your accreditation up to date.
9. Should I maintain my accreditation?
Teachers wishing to continue to work must maintain their teacher accreditation.
10. Do I need to renew my WWCC?
Renewing your WWCC when it expires is necessary if you intend to continue working with children in paid employment in any capacity. If you plan to work with children in a voluntary capacity, you can opt for a free volunteer WWCC. See link below.
Helpful links
Fair Work Ombudsman – Flexible Work Arrangements
Fair Work Ombudsman – Requesting Flexible Work Arrangements