I was just having this conversation with my partner and he feels that i should hang out until a couple of weeks after he is gone then take my maternity leave as planned, which if my dates are correct, i am able to start the same week christmas is. Then when i am ready to start working again, organise my transfer then.

As far a loyalty goes, i have an abundance of that. However, my employer has let me down on more occasions than i care to remember. So i am left wondering why i care so much.

As for going casual, this would allow me to work anywhere at anytime. As long as there is a store near by that needs the extra hands.

Asking a union is out of the question as i am not in one and have no interest in them as they do not exist in the other states for my line of work, so what applies in this state may not apply to where i am moving to. But you are right, they may be able to shed some light.

I might organise a meeting with my manager and HR and try to come to some sort or arrangement.....i know its early days yet, but i would feel more relaxed knowing i had a plan.