Fórsa is to meet education management in the Workplace Relations Commission today (Friday) to seek changes to parental leave arrangements for special needs assistants (SNAs). SNAs can only take parental leave in blocks of a week at present, but the union argues that this disproportionately affects low- and single-income households who can’t afford to lose a week’s pay. 

The union says SNAs should be able to take parental leave in blocks of one or more days if their school management agrees. This is in line with legal provisions on parental leave.

Fórsa official Shane Lambert said there were many examples of SNAs who want to take parental leave in blocks of less than a week. But, even if their employer agrees, they claim they are hamstrung by the provisions in the official circular.

The education department allowed SNA’s take parental leave in blocks of less than a week as an interim measure during the pandemic and the phased return to schools. But it says it intends to stop this in the forthcoming school year. 

“A further sting in the tale is that SNAs who can afford to take parental leave in blocks of a week can opt to return to work on a shorter working pattern. We are seeking changes to the existing circular to ensure our SNAs are treated fairly and with respect,” he said.