3 min read
As a nurse or midwife, having a family is an important aspect of life.
Balancing work and family can be challenging, especially when it comes to taking maternity leave. That's why it's concerning to hear about the struggles one NPAQ member faced when trying to take their well-deserved maternity leave.
The NPAQ member in question applied for maternity leave whilst on leave without pay. However, just days after submitting the application, they were asked to show cause as to why their employment shouldn't be terminated. This was despite the fact that their employer, QLD Health, had already approved their leave.
Feeling afraid and unsure of what to do, she reached out to the NPAQ for assistance.
A case manager was assigned to help prepare a response, which was then sent to internal review.
Just a few days later, the case was resolved, the maternity leave was approved, and the threat of termination was dropped.
The NPAQ member trusted the NPAQ to defend them, and thanks to the hard work of their case manager, the outcome was an extremely positive one.
It's important for employers to understand the rights of their employees, and to provide a supportive environment for those taking maternity leave.
This case is a testament to the power of advocacy and support. By working together, the case manager and member were able to overcome a difficult situation, and secure the maternity leave that was rightfully theirs.
We hope that this case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the rights of our nurses and midwives, and the value of having a support system in place when they need it most.
If you are a member of NPAQ and require assistance with maternity leave or a notice to show cause please submit a member support ticket on your dashboard, or contact us on 1300 263 374 - hotline@npaq.com.au.
To find out more about NPAQ and become protected today visit: https://npaq.redunion.com.au/join