NPAV | News

Case Win: Underpayment Dispute in Nursing

Written by NPAV | Oct 30, 2024 2:00:00 AM
Advocacy & Support for Nurses

Issues with payroll and compensation mishaps can cause significant distress and financial strain for employees. 

Spencer, a member of the NPAA Victoria branch, found herself experiencing an issue of underpayment following a car accident. 

After the accident the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) started making direct payments to her employer instead of her. This was based on a certificate of capacity indicating Spencer could only work limited hours, with TAC covering the difference. Despite numerous attempts by Spencer to rectify this error and have the funds redirected to her or returned to TAC, a substantial sum totaling $3,919.98, she received no outcome. 

To compound matters, during the period when Spencer awaited TAC income support, her employer initially used her personal leave to compensate for the salary shortfall. Once reimbursed by TAC, however, the employer failed to reinstate Spencer's personal leave hours, leaving her further out of pocket. Spencer diligently pursued resolution through repeated communications with payroll, yet the issue persisted without remedy.

Upon the conclusion of her employment, Spencer encountered further complications. Despite the legal requirement and common courtesy of providing a final pay slip and certificate of service, documents necessary for her to transfer her remaining entitlements to her new employer, were not provided. 

Feeling  frustration and financial uncertainty Spencer made the strategic decision to reach out to NPAA for assistance. 

Spencer relayed her issues to her assigned case manager. A formal letter was issued to Spencer's former employer to expedite the resolution of the outstanding payment issue and, with NPAA’s support, the issue was resolved that same day. 

How is the NPAA so effective in defending members during workplace issues and disputes? Our experienced and professional case managers use our unique RED™ case resolution system.

Why is the NPAA different? We believe that real change in healthcare STARTS with empowering frontline nurses, not bureaucrats. 

If you are a member of NPAA and need assistance with a workplace issue, please submit a member support ticket on your dashboard, or contact us at 1300 263 374 - hotline@npaa.asn.au

To find out more about NPAA and become protected today visit: npaa.redunion.com.au/join

The name of the member in this article has been changed for confidentiality reasons.