The 'Unlimited Sick Leave', if I remember rightly, was introduced to cover ATCers who may have contracted a long lasting illness, to cover them for the whole period of the illness.
Prior to this is was the same as.......
Where I was, in Flight service, we simply had the 'Old' Public Service Sick Leave Entitlements.
- x single days without cert. (Was it 5 'Single days per Annum ??)
- Two or more, and a Medical Cert was required.
- For lengthy illnesses, three months on Full pay - after qualifying period.
- Could be 'stretched' to 3 months on full pay vs 6 months on half pay after qualifying period.
Or SOMETHING like that. (Its been a while...)
The ATC EBA gave them as much Sick Leave as was REQUIRED to get over the illness on FULL pay - i.e. 'Unlimited Sick Leave'.
That's if I've got it right.....
So, an ATC member, if he/she was unlucky enough to contract Hepatitis for example, would be able to recuperate knowing full well that the family would not suffer unnecessary pecunary loss.
AND, as 'Ferris' says, to clear the books.
The first reason was no doubt told to staff to make it sound - WOW!
The REAL reason was , to satisfy the 'creative accounting' of the time...
As F.S. was 'on the 'Way Out' at the time, (THANKS DICK!) it was pointless to offer it or have incorporated in the FS EBA.....i.e after 12/12/'91...you'll be gone in 6 months....6 months... 6 months...11/11/'93....6 more months etc etc.....
Dec 2000 - GORN!! WHEW!!!
made it - got the mortgage paid etc..
Correct me if I'm wrong guys and gals.
