FSU member Veronika Cullen was close to throwing in the towel with the bank she’d spent two years working for, after being placed unfairly on a performance improvement plan.
But thanks to the FSU stepping in, management agreed to provide a mutual separation payout.
As many bank employees know, it’s always a tricky balance between going above and beyond for customers (especially those who struggle with modern-day technology) and adhering to strict bank procedures. For Veronika, management decided she’d crossed a line and she was placed on a PIP.
Unfortunately, the months that followed led to Veronika feeling targeted at work, micromanaged, unsupported, and accused of wasting time.
“I’d barely taken any sick leave throughout my two years at the bank,” said Veronika.
“But after an incident where I was accidentally copied into an email which discussed terminating my employment, I had to take sick leave because it just made me so upset. It was incredibly distressing.
“I genuinely care about my customers and want to help them, and it felt like I was being targeted for that.”
Fortunately, Veronika already had another job lined up and was ready to hand in her resignation. On the advice of the FSU, however, she held off.
“The union was awesome. They really fought for me and said they were going to fight to get me a good payout.
“They ended up negotiating a mutual separation of eight weeks, which came to nearly $12,000.
“I think management agreed to the payout because they knew what they’d done was wrong.”
Veronika said without the union in her corner, she wouldn’t have received a single dollar.
“The union actually cared about what happened to me.
“They are there to support their members and that’s exactly what they’ve always done for me.”
Remember, FSU members can contact our Member Rights Centre for expert support and representation. Call 1300 366 378 or email [email protected].
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