Workers could be able to double their annual leave - with one catch

ACTU pushes 7 per cent pay rise for lowest-paid workers.

Aussie workers could be given the right to double their annual leave by taking more leave at half pay if a new proposal before the Fair Work Commission is accepted.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has pitched that workers be allowed to extend their annual leave by up to double the original amount while taking half pay.

ACTU boss Sally McManus said the change would “allow workers to have more flexibility to take longer leave without any penalty to the employer”.

Business groups have said they are on board with the proposal in principle, but want bosses to keep the right to say no to requests.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s director Jessica Tinsley said employers supported the idea but wanted to ensure businesses weren’t hit by staff shortages.

“Your boss needs to agree to it,” she said.

“With that condition, employers are really backing this proposal.”

McManus said the union agreed that bosses should be able to refuse employees’ requests to take longer leave on “reasonable business grounds”.

“Of course, we would say that’s fair,” she said.

“But not just because you couldn’t be bothered.”

The Fair Work Commission will make a recommendation on the proposal in the next three or four months

The commission is also considering other flexible working arrangements, including whether employees should have the right to work from home.