Imagine receiving the news that you have breast cancer — then being asked to hand in your work uniform.
Unthinkable, right? Well that’s exactly what allegedly happened to Pam Brunswick from Victoria.
Pam Brunswick is dedicated nurse and ambulance attendant. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2015 and began a course of surgery and radiotherapy soon thereafter.
Ms Brunswick told her employer, the National Patient Transfer Group (NPT), she was ill and would need time off in November 2014, 3AW reports.
But two months later, she received a letter informing her she no longer had a job and was required to hand in her uniform immediately.
The alleged reason why? She had taken too much time off work for her treatments.
Top Comments
When you have recovered and are well enough to return to work,then you can ask to be re- instated.
What is the point in signing a petition for someone who says they want their job back,when they haven't recovered yet? I'm sure she will have no problem finding work with the experience she has had in this field.
An employer cannot keep a job open for an extended and unknown period of time. She may never make a full recovery or ever be fit enought to return to work.
It's not a nice situation,and I feel for the woman. But you have to look at it from the other side as well.
I have been sacked twice for being sick and needing time off to have operations.
No,it's not fair. But,in the employer's eyes,I was unreliable.
Most employers just want to know if you are coming to work to do your job or not.
They cannot put someone's job on hold for a lengthy and unknown amount of time.From what I have read,they were told Ms Brunswick was not well,needed time off....and a lot of it,so probably got someone to replace her.When Ms Brunswick is well enough to return to work,she could then ask if she can be re-instated. It's common sense really. As Mr Wilson says,personal issues shouldn't be played out in the public forum. I wish Ms Brunswick all the best with her recovery and the stressful time she is having.