February 2009

NAPS works with Unite the Union to defend one of its members

NAPS was contacted by a senior shop steward, as one of his members faced a possible disciplinary action for being absent with PMS. With the advice and information we were able to supply, he was able, very quickly, to obtain a very satisfactory resolution, significant not only for the member on whose behalf he acted but also for the other PMS sufferers he and his union represent. As a result, Mick, the shop steward, is happy for us to print the following:

"My name is Mick Casey. I had a female member come to me about a problem relating to PMS. As a shop steward, I was really pleased that she could trust me, a male, with such a delicate problem. At the beginning I was no use but quickly found out more about this condition, which affects more women than actually anyone knows. I was put onto NAPS and straight away was put on the right track as to how to help my member with a disciplinary that she was going to receive on account of absence caused by PMS. I quickly found out that she also suffers depression and, therefore, her pain intensified. With the help of NAPS, I persuaded the company to a 'no further action' on this, with safeguards in place for the future.

"There needs to be much more awareness of PMS in companies run mainly by men, in order for this very serious problem to be properly understood.

"I hope that what I have written will make it easier for people who need help, to contact NAPS."

NAPS thanks Mick for his endorsement of the help we were able and did provide. His colleague was very lucky to have such a sympathetic and determined person to protect her interests.

NAPS will be keeping in touch with Mick, who is going to publicise NAPS at his place of work and, through him, we hope to be able to spread NAPS' influence at a national level. The TUC has worked with NAPS in the past and there is useful information on PMS on its 'worksmart' website.