When you take your hard-earned annual leave, there’s a little extra in your pay packet: leave loading. But this bonus isn’t just a perk handed out by employers—it’s a right fought for and won by union members, past and present. Leave loading reflects the power of collective action and the importance of being part of a union.
What is Leave Loading?
Leave loading is an additional payment of 17.5% of your base pay, paid when you take annual leave. For Queensland public servants, it’s designed to help cover the costs of holidays, whether that’s travel, leisure activities, or simply making ends meet while you take a well-deserved break.
But leave loading didn’t always exist. It’s a direct result of union campaigns to secure fairer pay and conditions for workers. Before this entitlement, workers who took leave often faced financial hardship due to lost overtime or penalties—making it harder to take the breaks they needed. Union members recognised this issue and fought for change, negotiating leave loading into awards and agreements.
👉 Take Action: Join Together Today
Entitlements like leave loading didn’t come easy, and they won’t stay without a fight. By joining Together, you’re helping to secure not just your rights, but the rights of future generations of Queensland public servants.
📌 Click here to join us today and become part of a union that wins for workers. Together, we’ve done it before—and we’ll keep doing it, with you on board.
How Union Members Won Leave Loading
The concept of leave loading was first established through collective bargaining and industrial action. In the 1970s, unionised workers across Australia campaigned for the right to leave loading, arguing that holidays should not come at the cost of financial security. Their persistence paid off, with leave loading becoming a standard entitlement for many workers—including Queensland public servants.
Over the years, unions like Together ASU have ensured that leave loading remains a protected benefit, resisting attempts to erode or diminish it. Every time your union negotiates a new certified agreement, leave loading is reviewed, safeguarded, and adjusted where possible to reflect contemporary needs and economic conditions.
How is Leave Loading Calculated?
For public servants, leave loading is calculated as 17.5% of your ordinary weekly wage, capped at a certain amount specified in your industrial agreement. For instance, if you take four weeks of annual leave, you’ll receive an additional payment equal to 17.5% of four weeks of your regular earnings—subject to the cap.
Here’s an example:
- Weekly base pay: $1,500
- Leave loading rate: 17.5%
- Leave loading per week: $1,500 × 0.175 = $262.50
If you take two weeks of annual leave, your leave loading for that period would be $262.50 × 2 = $525.00.
Remember, caps may apply to the total amount of leave loading you can receive. These caps are periodically reviewed, so it’s worth consulting your latest agreement or union representative for up-to-date figures.
Why Leave Loading Matters
Leave loading is more than just an extra payment—it’s a symbol of the victories unions have achieved for members. It allows public servants to take time off without financial strain, contributing to better health, well-being, and productivity.
Without unions, benefits like leave loading wouldn’t exist. It’s a testament to the power of collective action: when workers stand together, they can achieve what seems impossible.
Are You Receiving Your Full Entitlement?
Leave loading is calculated as 17.5% of your base pay and is subject to a cap outlined in your industrial agreement. If you think you might not be receiving the full amount, your union can help. Together members have access to expert advice and advocacy to ensure their entitlements are protected.
Why Union Membership Still Matters
Leave loading is just one example of how union membership improves the lives of public servants. It’s not just about protecting existing conditions—it’s about fighting for more. Every time a new agreement is negotiated, union members ensure their voices are heard, pushing for better pay, improved conditions, and stronger protections.
By joining Together, you’re part of the collective power that defends and enhances these rights. Membership ensures that when issues arise—whether it’s underpayment, unfair treatment, or changes to your entitlements—you have the support and expertise of your union behind you.
