Toxic Network Agency

I recently had a bad experience with my Network Agency, in fact it is still not resolved. They put me forward for an office position, I was successful and excepted the job. A rate was never mentioned during the interview, so I asked what rate they were offering. Because the position required Myob skills I assumed it would be a reasonably decent hourly rate.

I was told it was based on a level one clerical rate, so I asked if they were hiring me on a 3 mth trial period, and was told no, which meant that after proving myself I wouldn't be entitled to a pay rise. I proceeded to negotiate a rate of $1.oo per hour more with the Employer and she said she would have to check it out with the Director.

UNEMPLOYED HAVE NO RIGHTS:
All hell broke lose when my Government Network Agency found out what happened, they were angry that I even questioned the rate.

The Network Agency called me and demanded I attend their office immediately, and I informed them I was unable to accommodate their wishes due to the fact I had soil all over my feet from gardening that morning and would need to shower and dress before presenting myself at their office, this did not go down well, as the Manageress jumped on the phone, and she was so angry at me, after receiving a stripping down from her, I informed her I would attend her office in the afternoon.
I then called the Employer to make sure they knew I was still interested in accepting the job no matter what the outcome.

I was told they were still interested and wanted me to start the following Monday. At no time did I ever refuse the job in fact I would still be happy to take the job.

After speaking with the Agency the Employer rang me and said she was no-longer interested in offering me the job, as she was worried I might hit her up for a pay rise.(Her exact words)

When I attended my meeting with the Agency Manageress, she told me she was disconnecting me from her Agency, but what she didn't tell me - was she was Breaching me with Centrelink on the accusation that - I refused a job. This is an outright untruth, because that's not what happened. It was the Employers decision, to change their mind, not my refusal.

If you are found to be in breach, by refusing a job, you are disconnected from Centrelink unemployment payment for a period of eight weeks, which is a fine of approximately $2000. The damage that causes to your life is irreparable as someone in her position is well aware of.

Frankly, just being unemployed and on a pittance, is a struggle enough, without being subject to this kind of stress in your life. Can you imagine how you would feel if suddenly your income was cut off for a period of two months, especially if you had not done anything to deserve it?

The matter now goes to the Centrelink Resolutions Department and they are presently investigating. I told them they can put the matter to rest by calling the Employer and she can confirm what I have told them. They were trying to call on a mobile number and don't know who gave it to them, but they were unable to reach anyone. I have since given them the Company phone number and I am waiting for their response.

I would like to think that someone in her position, (Manageress Government Network Agency)would be rapped over the knuckles for the trouble she has caused. I worry about others that may be be subject to her anger. She was aware that I did not refuse the job, I did inform her that I had taken her advice and called the Employer back to explain that I was definitely interested in accepting the job.

In the mean time I have to wait for a decision, while my life hangs in the balance.
If I had committed a crime, its unlikely that I would even be fined $2000.

I have found another Network Agency, and they are really nice people, they have assured me they will never treat me in that manner. I am looking forward to continuing my job search with them.

I feel I must speak out and inform others about the unjust system we have to suffer in Australia, this situation should never have occurred. I am treated like a criminal because I asked for one dollar an hour more. I have committed no crime except to try to secure a decent wage for a decent days work, where's the crime in that. If the Government was doing its job properly, they would be training people to give them more skills so they can succeed in obtaining work. They also should be creating more jobs not trying to force people into part time jobs they themselves would never do.

I hope others will speak out about their experiences. If you can relate to this or wish to comment on what you think about the situation please drop me a line on my site or email me at caroscom.blogspot.com@gmail.com.

I will keep you informed of the outcome.