Random thoughts not worthy of a thread (Part I)

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DarkPhoenix

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Feeling pretty down right now. Just received a thick envelope from my works lawyers.

Had some time off work a few months ago due to stress related issues caused by pretty unreasonable circumstances at work, targets almost doubling and ways to meet target being reduced significantly + major structural changes. Couldn't sleep, would wake up 4-5 times a night, most of these on the verge of throwing up, rapid weight gain (12kg over 2 months), migraines, chronic fatigue etc.

Independent assessors assessed that my elevated stress levels were legitimate and labelled it as an adjustment disorder.

Work are now taking it to a tribunal to try and make me pay back any wages I've received as they believe all changes were "just and implemented so as not to cause additional stress".

They couldn't even pass on the report to me in a timely manner, had to chase them up on it.

Feel like I just want to quit, become a hermit and pay them back their money even though I know I'm in the right.
 

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Gasometer

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Feeling pretty down right now. Just received a thick envelope from my works lawyers.

Had some time off work a few months ago due to stress related issues caused by pretty unreasonable circumstances at work, targets almost doubling and ways to meet target being reduced significantly + major structural changes. Couldn't sleep, would wake up 4-5 times a night, most of these on the verge of throwing up, rapid weight gain (12kg over 2 months), migraines, chronic fatigue etc.

Independent assessors assessed that my elevated stress levels were legitimate and labelled it as an adjustment disorder.

Work are now taking it to a tribunal to try and make me pay back any wages I've received as they believe all changes were "just and implemented so as not to cause additional stress".

They couldn't even pass on the report to me in a timely manner, had to chase them up on it.

Feel like I just want to quit, become a hermit and pay them back their money even though I know I'm in the right.
Thats bad news DP.

Feeling a bit off today as well. Had surgery yday and that anaesthetic just knocks me about plus lack of sleep. ...and now are wide awake and grumpy.

Watchinf Homeland S05 atm
 

Horace

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Feeling pretty down right now. Just received a thick envelope from my works lawyers.

Had some time off work a few months ago due to stress related issues caused by pretty unreasonable circumstances at work, targets almost doubling and ways to meet target being reduced significantly + major structural changes. Couldn't sleep, would wake up 4-5 times a night, most of these on the verge of throwing up, rapid weight gain (12kg over 2 months), migraines, chronic fatigue etc.

Independent assessors assessed that my elevated stress levels were legitimate and labelled it as an adjustment disorder.

Work are now taking it to a tribunal to try and make me pay back any wages I've received as they believe all changes were "just and implemented so as not to cause additional stress".

They couldn't even pass on the report to me in a timely manner, had to chase them up on it.

Feel like I just want to quit, become a hermit and pay them back their money even though I know I'm in the right.
Are you a member of a Union DP? Well you may not want to answer that but if you are speak to them straightaway. They might put you on to some pretty handy Law firms who work in these areas and might want to have a chat to your employer.

Don't think you are alone. there are people who can help.
 

DarkPhoenix

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Are you a member of a Union DP? Well you may not want to answer that but if you are speak to them straightaway. They might put you on to some pretty handy Law firms who work in these areas and might want to have a chat to your employer.

Don't think you are alone. there are people who can help.
We're covered under a document called [Company Name] Cover which I believe is negotiated by a union, but I don't pay union fees like my old job so I honestly have no idea.

I really have no feeling on how it's going to go, I feel like they're going to weasel their way out of the responsibility, they have far more money than I do.
 

blackshadow

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Feeling pretty down right now. Just received a thick envelope from my works lawyers.

Had some time off work a few months ago due to stress related issues caused by pretty unreasonable circumstances at work, targets almost doubling and ways to meet target being reduced significantly + major structural changes. Couldn't sleep, would wake up 4-5 times a night, most of these on the verge of throwing up, rapid weight gain (12kg over 2 months), migraines, chronic fatigue etc.

Independent assessors assessed that my elevated stress levels were legitimate and labelled it as an adjustment disorder.

Work are now taking it to a tribunal to try and make me pay back any wages I've received as they believe all changes were "just and implemented so as not to cause additional stress".

They couldn't even pass on the report to me in a timely manner, had to chase them up on it.

Feel like I just want to quit, become a hermit and pay them back their money even though I know I'm in the right.
Sorry to hear that DP - hopefully you can stand tall and not let them bully you. Knowing lawyers it's most likely to be a try on.

First thing I would do is contact the Fair Work Ombudsman and see if they can give you any advice.

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/
 

see see

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Feeling pretty down right now. Just received a thick envelope from my works lawyers.

Had some time off work a few months ago due to stress related issues caused by pretty unreasonable circumstances at work, targets almost doubling and ways to meet target being reduced significantly + major structural changes. Couldn't sleep, would wake up 4-5 times a night, most of these on the verge of throwing up, rapid weight gain (12kg over 2 months), migraines, chronic fatigue etc.

Independent assessors assessed that my elevated stress levels were legitimate and labelled it as an adjustment disorder.

Work are now taking it to a tribunal to try and make me pay back any wages I've received as they believe all changes were "just and implemented so as not to cause additional stress".

They couldn't even pass on the report to me in a timely manner, had to chase them up on it.

Feel like I just want to quit, become a hermit and pay them back their money even though I know I'm in the right.
That sucks balls. I don't know your full circumstances, but you shouldn't have to be subject to such BS in the workplace. Further to what Horace said, if you're not a member of a union/employee representative organisation, you should consider joining one so you can access their advocacy and support services.
Thats bad news DP.

Feeling a bit off today as well. Had surgery yday and that anaesthetic just knocks me about plus lack of sleep. ...and now are wide awake and grumpy.

Watchinf Homeland S05 atm
Watching s5 of Homeland probably won't make you feel much better. Has pretty much lost the plot.

If you're happy to read subtitles (or sprechen Deutsch), check out Deutschland 83. I started watching it last night and it looks the goods so far.
 

see see

And don't forget the joker...
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We're covered under a document called [Company Name] Cover which I believe is negotiated by a union, but I don't pay union fees like my old job so I honestly have no idea.

I really have no feeling on how it's going to go, I feel like they're going to weasel their way out of the responsibility, they have far more money than I do.
If you know which union negotiated the agreement, it'd be worth giving them a call to discuss your situation.
 
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Sorry to hear that DP - hopefully you can stand tall and not let them bully you. Knowing lawyers it's most likely to be a try on.

First thing I would do is contact the Fair Work Ombudsman and see if they can give you any advice.

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/
Great advice.

After i was deemed too handsome to work in the office, I contacted fairwork.gov and they along with the union helped sort everything out. I wasn't even with the union so it's definitely in your best interests to contact them.
 
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We're covered under a document called [Company Name] Cover which I believe is negotiated by a union, but I don't pay union fees like my old job so I honestly have no idea.

I really have no feeling on how it's going to go, I feel like they're going to weasel their way out of the responsibility, they have far more money than I do.
Sorry to hear about this situation DP. Hope you're ok and as cliched as it sounds "it's only money"..

A couple of points that spring to mind.

I know of people actively avoiding union membership then immediately joining and invoking their rights when they're in a tricky situation so IF there is an applicable union that covers your industry regardless of any CBA etc it might be worth investigating.

HR departments loathe Fair Work as regardless of how tight a company might think its policies are, they walk a fine line in terms of losing cases, paying out $$$ etc if they hit the wrong adjudicators for complaints raised against them. The advice to go down this path is sound.

Without knowing specifics it sounds like you should sit tight and fight for your entitlements here before you cut and run and have to pay them. However as I said this is without knowing specifics or intangibles like how the $$ balance against your wellbeing.
 

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Only Forwards

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I know of people actively avoiding union membership then immediately joining and invoking their rights when they're in a tricky situation so IF there is an applicable union that covers your industry regardless of any CBA etc it might be worth investigating.
I am a member of the union the covers my industry and my understanding is that what they can do for existing issues is limited.
 
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I am a member of the union the covers my industry and my understanding is that what they can do for existing issues is limited.
Would be case by case of course but know of someone paradoxically anti-union who still tapped their heels together and brought them in at the 11th hour and got what they wanted. Not saying this is applicable to all situations.
 

Gasometer

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That sucks balls. I don't know your full circumstances, but you shouldn't have to be subject to such BS in the workplace. Further to what Horace said, if you're not a member of a union/employee representative organisation, you should consider joining one so you can access their advocacy and support services.

Watching s5 of Homeland probably won't make you feel much better. Has pretty much lost the plot.

If you're happy to read subtitles (or sprechen Deutsch), check out Deutschland 83. I started watching it last night and it looks the goods so far.
You're right...up to Ep 07...s01 and s02 were the best.

Its dragging.

Subtitles yeh nah not today.

Maybe look at Vikings S03.
 

RobZombie

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Feeling pretty down right now. Just received a thick envelope from my works lawyers.

Had some time off work a few months ago due to stress related issues caused by pretty unreasonable circumstances at work, targets almost doubling and ways to meet target being reduced significantly + major structural changes. Couldn't sleep, would wake up 4-5 times a night, most of these on the verge of throwing up, rapid weight gain (12kg over 2 months), migraines, chronic fatigue etc.

Independent assessors assessed that my elevated stress levels were legitimate and labelled it as an adjustment disorder.

Work are now taking it to a tribunal to try and make me pay back any wages I've received as they believe all changes were "just and implemented so as not to cause additional stress".

They couldn't even pass on the report to me in a timely manner, had to chase them up on it.

Feel like I just want to quit, become a hermit and pay them back their money even though I know I'm in the right.
Don't have anything to add re unions, but even if you're not a member the one that did your EBA may well be happy to point you in the direction of someone who can help even if they aren't in a position to give you access to all their support services. Get in touch. And hang in there. This too shall pass.
 
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Feeling pretty down right now. Just received a thick envelope from my works lawyers.

Had some time off work a few months ago due to stress related issues caused by pretty unreasonable circumstances at work, targets almost doubling and ways to meet target being reduced significantly + major structural changes. Couldn't sleep, would wake up 4-5 times a night, most of these on the verge of throwing up, rapid weight gain (12kg over 2 months), migraines, chronic fatigue etc.

Independent assessors assessed that my elevated stress levels were legitimate and labelled it as an adjustment disorder.

Work are now taking it to a tribunal to try and make me pay back any wages I've received as they believe all changes were "just and implemented so as not to cause additional stress".

They couldn't even pass on the report to me in a timely manner, had to chase them up on it.

Feel like I just want to quit, become a hermit and pay them back their money even though I know I'm in the right.
Hang in there DP. If you're so sure you're in the right, as I have when taking an ex employer to court, the fight can be worth it.

That sux though mate.
 
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Not such a random thought when the topic turns to Tasmanians experiencing some stress, but has anyone heard how Engimal is doing?
No mate, so that is a timely question. Hopefully he's had a good Summer break post exams and is ready to roll for a big 2016.
 

ozzyoslo

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Feeling pretty down right now. Just received a thick envelope from my works lawyers.

Had some time off work a few months ago due to stress related issues caused by pretty unreasonable circumstances at work, targets almost doubling and ways to meet target being reduced significantly + major structural changes. Couldn't sleep, would wake up 4-5 times a night, most of these on the verge of throwing up, rapid weight gain (12kg over 2 months), migraines, chronic fatigue etc.

Independent assessors assessed that my elevated stress levels were legitimate and labelled it as an adjustment disorder.

Work are now taking it to a tribunal to try and make me pay back any wages I've received as they believe all changes were "just and implemented so as not to cause additional stress".

They couldn't even pass on the report to me in a timely manner, had to chase them up on it.

Feel like I just want to quit, become a hermit and pay them back their money even though I know I'm in the right.
Lawyer up DP .............politely conduct yourself @ work. Until the mess is over. Then leave the joint. Work place that isn't good for your health isn't a place to be.
 

Orange Peanut

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