Understanding your leave entitlements is crucial to maintaining work-life balance, especially in demanding professions such as teaching. This article explores the concept of spouse leave as outlined in the Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2022.
Spouse Leave Due to Relocation
Clause (22)(a) states that leave without pay ranging from three months to 12 months will be granted once every three years to a teacher if their spouse needs to shift residence interstate or overseas due to their occupation.
Other Circumstances for Spouse Leave
According to clause (22)(b), leave without pay from three months to 12 months may also be granted once every three years to a teacher in the following circumstances:
- If their spouse is travelling interstate or overseas.
- If their spouse is transferred within Victoria and the teacher cannot be offered employment in the teaching service at the new location.
- If their spouse, who is also an employee, is granted long service leave. In this case, spouse leave may be granted for the period of the long service leave.
Resumption of Duty after Spouse Leave
As per clause (22)(c), teachers who are granted leave under subclauses (a) or (b) must resume duty at the start of the school term following the expiration of the spouse leave.
Exceptions to the Standard Spouse Leave Rules
Despite the standard rules in subclauses (a) and (b), clause (22)(d) mentions that the employer may approve a different period of leave and may approve more than one grant of leave in any three-year period.
Impact of Spouse Leave on Service
Leave without pay granted under subclause (22) does not count as service for any purpose, but it does not break the continuity of a teacher’s service, as indicated in clause (22)(e).
FAQs
1. What is spouse leave?
Spouse leave is leave without pay granted to teachers when their spouse has to shift residence or travel due to their occupation, or if their spouse has been granted long service leave.
2. How long can spouse leave last?
Spouse leave can last from three months to 12 months.
3. How often can a teacher take spouse leave?
A teacher can take spouse leave once every three years.
4. What happens to the teacher’s service during spouse leave?
Spouse leave doesn’t count as service for any purpose, but it doesn’t break the continuity of a teacher’s service.
5. When should a teacher resume duty after spouse leave?
A teacher should resume duty at the start of the school term following the expiration of the spouse leave.
Final Thoughts
The provision of spouse leave acknowledges the realities of modern life where both partners may have significant career commitments. Understanding this leave entitlement helps teachers to better plan their careers alongside their personal lives.
