work is making things so difficult

[Mrs Hendo]

Hi guys

Just wanting some advice... I work for one of australias largest health funds, I am currently full time in their call centre, and it is an incredibly stressful job. I have just found out I am preg again after 9 miscarriages and I have been told by my psychologist and my dr to lower my stress levels dramatically or else it most likely will happen again.

My work environment is very negative and I have asked to go part time, they refused outright even with a medical cert. I asked to work a later shift like 11.30 - 7.30 permanantly,( we normally have rotating rosterss so one week you might do 8-4 but the next 12 - 8) and you only get your rosters a few weeks in advance so it is really hard to make plans for scans and things. I have almost no sick leave left, and I just don't know what to do. I can't look for another job because I get paid Mat leave and really really cheap health insurance, but i can't risk having another miscarriage either.

I just don't know what to do?

[tellytubby]

i have no advice, just wanted to send you a big hug
i hope things work out for you xx

[Onyx]

Have you got a union rep?

[Mrs Hendo]

Hi guys,,

thanks for the encouragement.. Yes i have a union rep.. I am planning to see her today.. I think i am just gonna have to sit down with my centre manager and just tell her straight out i have to go part time for at least 8 weeks, give her my doctors letter and not give them any room to move.

[shell1]

why does work have to be like this agghh

im so sorry hun thats awful, u are so right to want to de stress and i dont see how asking for a set shift is such a bug deal .

i would take it further and see how you go ,union rep is a great idea

let us know xx

[tk1999]

They can't just flat out refuse you PT when your Dr is advising it - that is going against medical advice and is not in the best interests of the employer!! They can ask you to undergo a medical assessment where a doctor may review your history and then provide advice independent from the employer's and your own interests if that makes sense.

From an employer's perspective it may be a PITA to have someone go PT but they need to accomodate it especially if it is medical advice - to not follow it is not following their own duty of care in providing a safe work place.

Do you have a maternity leave/pregnancy policy? It may say something in there (or in your award/agreement) about managing 'illness' in pregnancy - I understand that technically you are not ill but this the term my employer would usually use to describe an employee needing a change to their employment circumstances based on pg.

[kelebek]

I worked in a call centre for one of telco's and management were difficult about everything. My saviour was that we had access to the intranet which had all the company's policy's and procedures so I would suggest if you have access looking up the leave policy's. Speak directly with HR as well.

Have PM'd you as well