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Autumn 2006

Win For Working Mum

When Sally Pugsley returned to work as a Local Development Officer with Housing Tasmania after the birth of twins Sasha and Alexander, she hoped things would go smoothly.

However, on her second day, Sally was told that her team had been transferred from Devonport to Burnie during her Maternity Leave and she would be required move as well. Unfortunately, no one had discussed the change in location with Sally while she was on leave.

This change would have meant an extra thirty-five minutes drive each way for Sally and significant additional child care and travel costs. For Sally, this would mean an increase in expenses of around $100-$200 more than she was earning a week, making returning to work "totally prohibitive".

HACSU assisted Sally to negotiate with her employer. Together they were able to reach an agreement that allowed Sally to work in Burnie, but start and finish each working day in Devonport. This meant that all of her travel was included within her working hours.

Sally would have preferred to stay in Devonport, but ultimately the agreement has satisfied the issue. Sally said, "It is really crucial for workers going on parental leave to get all return-to-work arrangements sorted out and in writing."

"Employers need to be sensitive to the need for communication with employees while they are on leave, to let them have input into decisions that will affect them when they return to work."

"This situation has really highlighted the issue of communication during Maternity Leave, but it has also taught me that I don't have to just accept the situation. I sought assistance from the union and with their help I was able to reach an agreement with my employer that I'm satisfied with."