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NPAQ Case Win #1381 - Payroll Predicaments: How NPAQ Helped a Nurse Reclaim Their Lost Entitlements

Written by NPAQ | May 11, 2023 3:06:20 AM

How NPAQ Helped a Nurse Reclaim Their Lost Entitlements

As nurses have enough on your plate to worry about without having to deal with payroll discrepancies. In fact, is there a nurse in Australia who hasn’t had an issue of some type with the payroll department?
Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened to one of our members.

They had recently changed workplaces, and they were shocked to discover that their payroll balances had not been carried over as expected. Despite providing the original payslips to their employer, they received a different version, stating incorrect balances. This was not only frustrating but also incredibly unfair to our member, who had worked hard for their entitlements and was relying on them to support themselves and their family.

Upon raising their concerns with payroll (and having to wait for a response) they were dismissed and not taken seriously by the department. They were assured by the payroll team that everything was correct and that they were the one who was mistaken. 

Feeling helpless and unsupported, our member turned to the NPAQ for assistance.
They were assigned a case manager who worked with them to clarify the correct leave balances and helped them communicate effectively with their employer.
After some back and forth, the payroll officer finally admitted that there was an issue, and the member's entitlements were reinstated.

While this may seem like a small victory, it's important to recognize the impact that this situation had on the member. Nurses are essential workers who work tirelessly to provide care to their patients, often at the expense of their own physical and mental health. When payroll discrepancies like this occur, it can feel like a betrayal of trust and a failure to recognize the value of their hard work.

This situation also raises important questions about the responsibility of employers to ensure that their payroll systems are accurate and fair. Nurses, like all employees, deserve to be paid for the work they have done and to receive the benefits and entitlements that they have earned. It's unacceptable for employers to make mistakes or intentionally withhold payments, especially when it can have a significant impact on the financial well-being of their employees.
It is their obligation to ensure that you are paid correctly, not yours. 

Many nurses across Australia have experienced similar situations where their entitlements were not accurately reflected in their payroll. Nurses deserve to be paid fairly for the work they do, and they should not have to fight for their entitlements every step of the way.

How is the NPAQ so effective in defending members during workplace issues and disputes? Our experienced and professional case managers use our unique RED™ case resolution system.

Why is the NPAQ different? We believe that real change in healthcare STARTS with empowering frontline nurses, not bureaucrats. 

If you are a member of NPAQ and need assistance with maternity leave please submit a Member Support Form on your dashboard, or contact us on 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