A New Baby? You’re Sacked

Date: 15 December 2004

When Insurance Supervisor Maree Cunningham returned home following the birth of her baby in October she received more than the usual congratulatory cards in the mail - she also received the sack.

In a shocking display of unfair dismissal by her employer the Greater Building Society, Maree, who had planned just a few weeks off work to recover from the birth of her baby and a cesarean operation, was sacked.

According to the United Services Union, Maree's dismissal is harsh, unjust and unconscionable. "Maree had only been in her new job for 2 months when she found out she was unexpectedly pregnant," explained USU Executive President Michael Want. "Instead of the usual joy and planning, Maree spent the months leading up to the birth of her baby trying desperately to hold on to her job."

As Maree was not entitled to maternity leave because she had not been in the job more than 12 months she tried to take leave without pay. "Despite plenty of notice Maree was given the brush off for three months before being informed that leave without pay was not possible and that her job would be re-advertised."

"The union immediately took action on Maree's behalf which resulted in the Greater Building Society making a less then adequate job offer for part time work in an area that she was not trained in," said Michael Want. "At 45, Maree had real concerns about her long term employment prospects and the future of her family."

"Maree needed to keep working full-time and as her employer would not give her just 2 months unpaid leave, she sought sick leave because her doctor told her she would be incapacitated and unable to work for 6 weeks," said Michael Want.

Maree left work just 3 days prior to the planned birth of her baby and was sacked the following day. In a cruel twist she did not receive notice of the termination until the day she returned home from hospital.

"This situation is a total disgrace," said Michael Want. "We have the Treasurer Peter Costello telling families to have one baby for mum, one for dad and one for the economy, however his government continues to implement laws which make it harder for families. The Howard government want to make it easier to sack workers and to further strip the powers of the independent umpire - the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. Situations like Maree's will increase dramatically when Howard completes his attack on worker rights."

The USU has filed for Unfair Dismissal in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission to be heard on Thursday 16th December in Newcastle. Maree Cunningham is available for interviews.

For further information or to arrange an interview with Maree Cunningham, contact USU Executive President Michael Want on (02) 9265 8211 or 0409 128 164.

For further information

Contact:	Michael Want
Union:	United Services Union
Phone:	(02) 9265 8211
Fax:	(02) 9261 2265
Email:	united@usu.org.au
WWW:	http://www.usu.org.au

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