General news

However, accessing this leave may not always be a smooth process.  

This was the case for an FSU member working for one of the big four banks who applied for just two weeks of domestic and family violence leave to enable them to seek support and attend court and psychology appointments.  

However, they were initially denied the leave on the basis that they hadn’t provided sufficient evidence of domestic violence. This was despite providing a police report, court dates and information pertaining to medical appointments.  

After reaching out to our Member Rights Centre for help, the FSU stepped in and communicated with the employer on behalf of our member.  

The employer eventually agreed there was enough evidence to grant the leave and agreed to establish a simpler process for any future leave requests our member may need. 

A great outcome that means hard fought for domestic violence and family leave provisions were upheld and accessible.  

Our member said before reaching out to the FSU they had been feeling so alone and that there was no one on their side, and without the union they would not have been able to work. 

“Thank you very much for all the help the FSU has given to me,” our member said. 

“I would not have been able to navigate the last two months without your help. Thank you for standing between me and the edge a few times.” 

As well as supporting our member in discussions with her employer, the FSU additionally waived their membership fees on hardship grounds and provided information about our free will service, access to discounted financial advice services and information about other benefits available through FSU membership.  

The FSU is here to support you. If you require advice or support, contact our Member Rights Centre on 1300 366 378.  

If you’re not already an FSU member, join today and have the FSU in your corner when it counts.