Flexible work arrangements (FWA) are a workplace right for all employees – and thanks to recent reforms that unions fought for, it’s now easier to request it and to challenge when bosses say no.
Still, it can often take a lot of back and forth between management and individual employees to get these FWAs in place, especially if an employer resists a request.
That was the experience for FSU member Joanne Morris, who turned to the FSU for assistance after her employer rejected her FWA request.
Joanne had been working an informal arrangement for some time, taking Fridays off so she could care for her elderly parents.
“I was purchasing leave and using my own annual leave so I could take every Friday off,” Joanne explained.
“My parents are elderly, and mum’s got early onset dementia, so they just need that extra support.”
To formalise this arrangement, Joanne asked to work a four-day week, with nine-hour days, and every Friday off.
“That was the routine I had Mum and Dad in, which made things easier for them, especially when Mum had to make appointments.
“We also live in a very small community – we’re 80 kilometres from the nearest town, so Thursdays and Fridays are the days when most things are open, such as specialists and doctors.”
To Joanne’ surprise, management knocked back her request. They claimed it no longer worked for the business, arguing it was unfair to other workers who also wanted to take Friday off.
“That’s when I contacted the union, and they helped me put a counteroffer to management.
“We negotiated that I would work one week Thursday and one week Friday.”
Joanne is pleased to have reached this compromise, and said having the backing of the FSU made all the difference.
“It’s been very encouraging for me, and one hundred per cent I believe I wouldn’t have got this outcome were it not for the support I received from my union.
“I’ve had a few workplace incidents come up in the past few years, and each time I’ve called the union, they’ve always been supportive and knowledgeable, and if they haven’t been able to answer my questions then, they’ve always got back to me in a reasonable timeframe.
“So if you’re thinking of joining, just do it, because you don’t know when you’ll need that support.”
If you want more information about flexible work arrangements, including whether you can request one and how, read our fact sheet on our website here.
And if you need individual assistance, FSU members can call our Member Rights Centre on 1300 366 378.
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