United Voice News
Andrea Houlihan worked at Munchkins Early Learning Centre in
Craigieburn for four years when suddenly, she was sacked without
warning.
She loved her job — she had a good position, it was close to home and her five-year-old was enrolled there.
And her wedding to her long-time boyfriend and father of her two children was just two months away.
“I felt so degraded. It severely affected me emotionally and financially,” said Andrea (pictured).
“We couldn’t get married. We hadn’t paid the wedding off yet, and with two kids we were really struggling.”
When new owners took over her centre, formerly ABC Learning, all staff went on probation. They then fired Andrea and told her there was nothing she could do about it.
Andrea disagreed — she called our Union Rights Centre for help.
“I felt pretty confident once I got in touch with the URC. I felt I had strong support,” Andrea said.
The URC helped her win three weeks pay: a total of $2400.
“It was such a great relief because we had no money at all at the time,” Andrea said.
The win helped rebuild her confidence and she got a new job at another centre.
Her payout and new job meant her wedding could go ahead as planned.
“It was fantastic! We were both overcome with happiness and just so relieved that the day finally went ahead,” she beamed.
“Our URC industrial officers help you enforce your rights at work.
It’s another great reason to be a United Voice member,” said Jess
Walsh, United Voice Victorian Secretary.
The URC can explain and enforce your rights at work.
