Suncorp is requiring employees in Brisbane who are unable to work due to the current flooding to take personal leave. If someone is stranded by floodwaters and has no internet at home, Suncorp expects them to use their own leave?
A friend of mine who works at Suncorp in Brisbane just shared that they were relieved their internet came back this morning, as otherwise they would have had to take a personal leave day.
I find this situation quite shocking.
Although I don’t reside in Brisbane and am uncertain about the extent of the flooding, it seems unreasonable for the company to place the burden on employees who cannot safely reach the office and are experiencing internet outages.
Is this even legal?
I’m posting this to see if others at the company are experiencing the same issue and to encourage employees to contact the EAP for legal advice, as this doesn’t seem right at all.
It’s definitely concerning to hear about Suncorp’s policy in this situation. Forcing employees to use their personal leave when they are unable to work due to circumstances beyond their control, like flooding or lack of internet, raises significant ethical and potentially legal issues.
From a legal standpoint, it often depends on the specific employment laws in Queensland, as well as the company’s policies. Many businesses offer paid leave or special provisions during natural disasters, especially when access to work is physically impossible.
If employees are facing similar situations, it’s great that you’re encouraging them to reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for legal advice. It’s also important for them to voice their concerns to HR or management. Collective feedback can lead to changes in policy that better support employees in difficult circumstances.
Thanks for bringing this to light; it’s crucial for employees to know they’re not alone and to advocate for fair treatment during such challenging times.