MEDICUS May 2022

M AY 2 0 2 2 M E D I C U S 5 W O R K P L A C E R E L A T I O N S DIT ROSTERING AND LEAVE ACCESS ISSUES FESTER T he AMA (WA) has recently been notified that several WA Health doctors in training (DiTs) have not received their roster within the required timeframes provided for in the WA Health System – Medical Practitioners – AMA Industrial Agreement 2016 (Agreement). We have also been made aware that several health service providers (HSPs) have posted leave relief rosters without specific start and finish times, which is also in breach of the Agreement. Readily accessible rosters released well in advance of their currency help employees to maintain a positive work-life balance and allow a practitioner to properly plan and schedule out-of-work commitments. DiTs within the WA Health system are covered by a number of provisions, which protect them from unreasonable or inappropriate rostering practices. These include: Rosters must cover a period of not less than 28 consecutive days, and must include start and finish times for each period of duty. Rosters must be made available at least 14 days prior to their commencement, During their currency, rosters must not be amended unless the practitioner agrees, or due to an emergency. Under most circumstances, a colleague taking unplanned sick leave or annual leave is not an emergency. While we understand that due to external factors, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there may be delays in preparing and releasing rosters, releasing rosters within 14 days of their commencement is unreasonable, and can lead to several negative impacts on a practitioner. Numerous concerns have also recently been raised from DiTs working across all HSPs relating to leave access, including: Not receiving a response to annual leave applications within a two-week timeframe, and confirming when the leave can be taken as required (clause 34[11]). Receiving approval at very short notice prior to leave commencement (one week or less prior) after either being waitlisted, or having the leave initially rejected. Ongoing difficulties with having annual leave approved at all, and being able to take annual leave at some point during the year. Issues with having genuine professional development leave (PDL) approved. We strongly advise any practitioners who have not been provided their roster at least 14 days prior to commencement, or who are experiencing PDL approval issues, to contact the AMA (WA) Workplace Relations Team. ■ For any employment enquiries, please contact the AMA (WA)’s Workplace Relations Team on 9273 3000.