The application guidelines in chapter IV, section 1 of the SOTE agreement are clear; the employer must provide employees with the opportunity to request their annual leave even in peak times. This does not automatically mean that leave will be granted during the holiday period, but the employer must take these requests into account and apply the principle of alternation in planning holidays.
Unfortunately, many Tehy members are still faced with a situation where requested leave is categorically denied around Christmas time, for example. This is unacceptable and hurts carers’ ability to cope at work and impacts the attractiveness of the branch as a whole. Christmas time is a very special time of year for many people who want to spend it with their family and loved ones.
The application guidelines in the SOTE agreement do not guarantee leave for everyone who requests it around Christmas time, but it does oblige the employer to consider all the different options. Employers need to understand that employee wellbeing and the attractiveness of the branch go hand in hand. Fair planning of annual holidays is an integral part of this.
Now is the time to ensure that employers comply with the SOTE agreement and its application guidelines and that care personnel have a genuine opportunity to enjoy their leave at Christmas, if at all possible. If there are any issues, you should discuss the matter with your immediate supervisor first. If the issue persists, Tehy members should contact their own union representative or Tehy e-services.