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“There was no discussion from my employer about financial hardship or different payment options, they just pulled me into a meeting and said I had to pay it back,” said the FSU member.

“The whole thing was very overwhelming. The stress made me physically unwell for weeks.”

The member turned to the FSU for help.

“My Industrial Officer assured me not to worry. Even though my employer did have a right to make the request, he said the union would call for it to be reduced or waived, as the amount owing would cause me significant hardship.”

The FSU argued that the overpayment was clearly not the fault of our member, whose reduction in hours had not been communicated by management to HR or payroll. And due to the member’s pay fluctuating each fortnight, as well as the fact that there were changes to the pay structure over the past year, the member had no idea she was being overpaid.

After a consulting a senior manager, management agreed to waive the amount from the previous financial year, which equated to about $10,000. The member also offered to sacrifice most of her annual leave as compensation for some of the outstanding amount, leaving the member with a significantly reduced amount owing.

“I don’t know what I would’ve done if I wasn’t a member. I wouldn’t have known where to start.

“It goes to show that you should never accept outright what management is telling you before seeking advice from the union.

“And if you’re sitting on the fence about joining – just do it.

“Know that there are hundreds of people who are affected by all sorts of workplace happenings every day who go to the union for advice. Whether you need representation or just advice about your role, that’s what the union is there for.”

If you need advice or assistance from our union, reach out to us today at [email protected] or call 1300 366 378.