Daniel ‘Danny’ Connell’s 35 years of hard work at Eurobodalla Shire Council almost ended on a sour note after council denied Danny his sick leave entitlements upon his retirement. Thankfully, council reconsidered their position after we stepped in.
Danny started working at Eurobodalla Shire Council and joined us in January 1989. 35 years later, Danny had no choice but to retire due to health concerns.
Because Danny had started at council prior to 1993, he was entitled to the payout of his sick leave entitlements since he’d had to cease work for medical reasons. Unfortunately, council did not agree, arguing that Danny had left of his own accord. As such, council declined to pay Danny his sick leave entitlements.
Thankfully, Danny came to us for help. We acted swiftly and filed against council for underpayment at the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (NSW IRC) on Danny’s behalf. Council reconsidered their position prior to proceedings and agreed to pay Danny his entitlements, which totalled $9000.
Danny has happily joined our retired members club and had this to say:
‘I would personally like to thank you all at the USU for your help and support in the battle with Eurobodalla Shire Council, regarding my entitlements being paid out to me in full. The last 2 months, to say they have been stressful is an understatement.
Without the USU and Stuart, Aarron & Debbie (Abbott – USU delegate and southern branch committee member) in my corner I really hate to think what might have been.’
We are thankful that Eurobodalla Shire Council worked amicably to resolve this claim and pay Danny his entitlements.
Remember: with us By Your Side, you never have to face problems at work alone.
