Shifts changed because of husband

October 2017

Adaline* worked in a warehouse and was married to her supervisor.

Adaline’s colleagues believed that he was favouring her in terms of workplace benefits such as training and overtime and that it was inappropriate that her husband was signing off her time sheets. 

Adaline’s colleagues made several complaints to the company.

Her shifts were changed, and she lost her shift loading entitlements. After a restructure, Adaline was not offered a full-time position which she believed was because there were complaints made against her.

She found this to be unfair and complained to ADNSW of marital discrimination.

At conciliation, the company admitted they found no inappropriate behaviour by either Adaline or her husband, however still removed Adaline from her husband’s supervision to avoid the perception of conflict of interest.

The company also said making Adaline part-time was based solely on competencies, however they agreed to consider Adaline for a full-time role if one became available. This resolved the matter.

*Name has been changed to protect the privacy of the individual.