VOLUNTEER TAKES JOB FIGHT TO FAIR WORK
A GOLD Coast nurse is in a fight with Queensland Health about getting his job back after he volunteered to go to Melbourne to help with the coronavirus crisis.
Roger Parker, a phlebotomist employed by Pathology Queensland on a rolling temporary contract, travelled to Melbourne last month as part of a team to help a private aged-care home ravaged by COVID-19.
He is now returning home without a job.
Mr Parker claims he was given clearance during a latenight phone call with his manager to board a flight to infected Victoria. He travelled interstate the next day as part of the National Aged Care Response Team. But the nurse’s managers argue he was not given permission to go and was on unapproved leave.
Mr Parker, released from quarantine on Monday with his wife Karen – an aged-care nurse who also helped in Victoria – said he would fight the decision via Fair Work.
Mr Parker said he was first made aware of aged-care company Bolton Clarke’s call out for nurses on August 7. His wife works for the firm.
At the time, most staff in the Victoria facility were unable to work due to COVID-19. Mr Parker said he felt he was doing the right thing in travelling south.
“I told the manager what was happening and said ADF (Australian Defence Force) would be flying us down tomorrow morning,” he said.
Mr Parker alleges at no point was he told of a risk to his employment or how he should apply for leave.
“People in these aged care facilities had no one, because all the staff were sick of quarantine, I felt I could help people. It was an emergency situation, so of course you do what you can to help out.”
The 54-year-old said he believed his sudden absence would not impact the workplace: “Other people have broken arms and legs and have been given leave suddenly so I couldn't see it effecting the workplace.”
Mr Parker said he had no intention of being paid for his time in Melbourne but was employed by Bolton Clarke during his placement. A number of conversations took place between Mr Parker and his employer once he arrived, until it became clear they believed initially he was an army reservist, not a volunteer.
On August 26, Mr Parker, who had held a rolling contract for two years, claims he was told his contract would not be extended.
In an email, management accused the Labrador man of failing to provide Pathology Queensland with any notice, failing to follow approved procedures for seeking leave and leaving for Melbourne without permission to take leave. “Your actions have had a significant adverse impact on service delivery and members of the team who have had to cover your shifts at a time when increased COVID-19 testing was underway and Pathology Queensland is experiencing unique and unsustainable service demand,” it said.
Queensland Health said it could not comment on individual HR matters.
Mr Parker said he was “disappointed and angry” and was not given any indication he would lose his job.
“I am not going to let it get to me, I know I did the right thing to help. I only hope I can get my job back.”
Bonney MP Sam O’Connor has written to the Health Minister asking for Mr Parker’s contract to be reinstated. He said the nurse should not be punished for a clear miscommunication: “Roger didn't go on holiday without notice ... he certainly was not reckless in his actions. He was using his skills to help.”