8.4 During periods of paid or unpaid maternity leave, sick leave with pay will not be granted for a normal period of absence for confinement. However, any illness arising from the incidence of the pregnancy may be covered by sick leave to the extent available, subject to the usual provisions relating to production of a medical certificate and the medical certificate indicates that the illness has arisen from the pregnancy. This procedure aims to avoid industrial disputes, or where a dispute occurs, to provide a means of settlement based on consultation, co-operation and discussion and the avoidance of interruption to work performance. During any dispute the status quo existing immediately prior to the matter giving rise to the dispute will remain and work shall continue as it was prior to the dispute without stoppage or the imposition of any ban, limitation or restriction. No party shall be prejudiced as to final settlement by the continuance of work in accordance with this clause.
All parties have a right to seek representation in order to resolve any dispute.
Discussions involving nominated delegates with Human Resources Manager. A dispute shall not be referred to the next stage until a genuine attempt to resolve the matter has been made at the appropriate level. There shall be a commitment by the parties to achieve adherence to this procedure including the earliest possible advice by one party to the other of any issue or problem which may give rise to a grievance or dispute. Throughout all stages of the procedure all relevant facts shall be clearly identified and recorded. Sensible time limits shall be allowed for the completion of the various stages of the discussions.