Suncorp is requiring employees who cannot work during the current weather crisis in Brisbane to use their personal leave. If you’re stranded due to floodwaters and have no internet access at home, Suncorp expects you to take personal leave?
A good friend of mine who works for Suncorp in Brisbane recently shared their relief at having their internet restored, as without it, they would have to use a personal leave day.
I was taken aback by this policy.
While I don’t live in Brisbane and may not fully grasp the extent of the flooding, I find it hard to believe that employees should bear the burden when they can’t safely reach the office due to flooding and have no working internet at home.
Is this even legal?
I’m posting this to see if others in the company have received similar information and to encourage employees to contact the EAP for legal advice, as this situation doesn’t seem right to me.
It’s definitely concerning to hear about Suncorp’s policy regarding personal leave during such a challenging weather event. It seems unreasonable to expect employees to use their own leave when external circumstances, like floods, prevent them from working. Many companies have policies in place to support employees during natural disasters, and it’s important for employers to show empathy and understanding in these situations.
Regarding the legality, labor laws can vary by region, and it may be worth looking into whether there are specific regulations around leave entitlements during emergencies like floods. Reaching out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for advice is a good step, as they can provide guidance tailored to the situation.
Hopefully, more employees will share their experiences and speak up, and the company will reconsider its stance on this issue. It’s crucial for organizations to support their staff during difficult times, rather than placing additional burdens on them.