FSU member Kat (not her real name) recently had a forced leave decision overturned with the support of the FSU.
Employed at a mid-sized bank, Kat encountered an issue when her manager instructed her to take two weeks annual leave before the end of last financial year. With only 14 days of accrued leave available, Kat wanted to save her leave for a later occasion. Feeling uncertain, she reached out to the FSU for guidance.
Upon seeking help, Kat contacted the FSU Member Rights Centre where she spoke with an FSU advocate. The advocate promptly delved into the details of her situation and informed her about specific clauses in her workplace’s Enterprise Agreement concerning leave management. Armed with this information, Kat demonstrated that her manager’s directive to force her to take leave was both unreasonable and outside the bounds of the agreement.
This situation also caught the attention of the bank’s Senior Manager of Human Resources, who decided to delve deeper. The HR Manager recognised the error and assured the Kat and the FSU that the organisation’s leaders would receive enhanced leave management training.
Additionally, an article focusing on the matter was featured in the bank’s retail newsletter, amplifying awareness on the subject.
Kat’s experience underscores the significance of turning to the FSU when encountering workplace dilemmas. With the FSU’s backing, not only did Kat retain her accrued leave, but she also played a role in ensuring that such incidents wouldn’t befall her peers in the future.
If you’re not already a member of the FSU, consider joining today. Working together, we can make a difference to workplaces across the finance sector, for people just like you and Kat. Remember, you have a voice and support system within the FSU, but only if you take the initiative to seek help.
Should you require professional backing or specialised help, reach out to the FSU Member Rights Centre on 1300 366 378.