Sometimes we want to give our boss the benefit of the doubt, especially if we’ve worked for a company for a long period of time. Trust and respect go both ways, right?
For one FSU member, he learned the hard way that, unfortunately, his 15 years of service didn’t amount to much when he requested a flexible work arrangement.
After developing cardiac issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, our member was told by his doctor that it was too risky to work in the office full time, let alone spend hours each day on public transport.
“I worked from home during lockdowns, but my health was failing and I had hospitalisations,” said the member.
“When things opened up again, I was travelling two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening.
“Then I started developing respiratory issues. That’s when my doctor said, ‘No, you are a high-risk category, you can’t be in close proximity every day with so many people who may not be vaccinated or are carrying infections’.”
The member spent the next six months submitting multiple flexible work arrangement requests, which sought to reduce the number of days he was required to work from the office. Despite being supported by his doctor’s advice, management rejected each request.
“I decided to battle on alone. I told them I wouldn’t approach Safe Work or Fair Work or my union because we should be able to sort this out.
“I thought my managers were considerate, compassionate people. They knew how many times I was hospitalised, how often I was sick.”
Incredibly, management consistently justified their rejections with corporate speak, using terms like ‘collaboration and team culture’, ‘operational efficiency’ and ‘workspace integration’.
“In other words, they completely disregarded my health issues.”
It was at the point when management threatened to take disciplinary action that our member finally contacted the FSU.
“My FSU Advocate was so good. He had so much empathy, he understood exactly what was happening, and he approached the company on my behalf.”
After a few weeks, management contacted our member to say they had reviewed his latest request and were willing to accept his flexible work arrangement.
“Hundred per cent, I wouldn’t have got that outcome without the union stepping in. Whereas with me they just brushed me aside.”
While the member was relieved by the outcome, he said he was disheartened that it took so long for management to see sense and do the right thing.
“I’ve been a union member for 10 years and this here is why it’s important to be a member.
“The expertise and the way the union can advocate for you is immense.
“I had exhausted all my avenues of fighting. I had used my doctor, my own knowledge of my rights… yet it was just me and them.
“It’s very easy for management to bulldoze you when you’re on your own. Management don’t want to get exposed, and that’s exactly what your Advocate at the union does.”
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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