When an FSU member was unfairly put on a performance review and faced dismissal, she contacted the FSU for support. Not only did we protect her job, she also received a pay rise!
Our member, who works at one of the big four banks, had returned from parental leave and was struggling with her role.
“One of my young kids has a lot of health concerns,” she explained.
“Because of this, I’ve had to take a lot of leave. All my sick leave and annual leave was used up, so I was starting to use unpaid leave.
“All this unplanned leave was affecting my re-training back to work, resulting in lower productivity and outcomes.
“My manager was fully aware of my personal situation and was generally supportive. There was never any discussion about the possibility of a performance plan of any sort.”
Out of the blue, the member was told she was being put on a performance plan, which would last just four weeks. The timing meant that she would not be eligible to receive a pay rise in the next review.
“I was also told that, if by the end of the review I had not satisfied the requirements of the role, then I would be dismissed!
“It came as a huge shock and was extremely stressful for me. They put me on a performance plan with no prior warnings or consideration of my current personal circumstances, which seemed very unfair. That’s when I contacted the FSU.”
We knew straight away that the member’s performance plan was wrong.
Adding further complexity to the case, the bank had previously incorrectly downgraded the member’s role when she returned from parental leave, resulting in her being classified at a lower rate.
“The union went hard on them,” said the member.
We outlined the unjust reasons for the performance review, noting no prior warnings or assistance were given to boost performance, and even pointing out things in the performance plan that were outside her normal scope of performance expectations.
Management eventually agreed to reduce the scope of the performance plan and assign the member a buddy to help her learn the new systems and processes.
“I passed the review with flying colours.”
Furthermore, management agreed to give the member an ‘out of alignment pay rise’, including a few months’ back pay as well.
To top it off, she also had her flexible working arrangement re-approved, which management had previously tried to refuse when she returned from parental leave.
“If it wasn’t for the union’s support, I think I’d be sacked and out of the job by now,” the member said.
“Because of the union’s advice and the way they fought for me, not only did I keep my job but I got a pay rise as well.
“People really need to join the union. Employers can often use tactics to intimidate and take advantage of employees not knowing their rights.
“Thankfully, the union exists for this reason. They know the law, and they know which cases can be won.
“Joining the FSU has been the best decision I ever made! No amount of employee assistance programs comes close to the help and support I received from the union. I can rest easy knowing the union has my back.”
Remember, the FSU is always here to support members facing difficult situations at work. Contact our Member Rights Centre on 1300 366 378 or email [email protected].
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