New South Wales has been declared a state of emergency for the next seven days, and 42 Local Government areas of Queensland also declared a state of fire emergency.
Large areas of Queensland and New South Wales have also been declared a natural disaster zone. The full impacts of the bushfires are not yet known but are expected to be extensive; they include damage to homes, businesses, livestock, as well as damage to roads and infrastructure.
If it is not safe for you to go to work heed the advice of local emergency services. The FSU is communicating with relevant employers and asking them the following:
- All sales targets for the current year should be immediately suspended for all directly impacted staff, with the intent of bringing in new relevant and agreed performance objectives after the full impact of bushfires is known.
- Any staff members who are unable to attend their normal workplace because of the effects of bushfires are to be advised that absences connected to the bushfires will be treated as paid special leave.
- Any staff members engaged in service with emergency services related to bushfires are to be provided with Community Service Leave.
- A briefing be provided to FSU of workplaces closed due to effects of bushfires, the number of staff unable to attend work, and an outline of the estimated impact on business activity due to this natural disaster.
- A briefing be provided to FSU of support measures provided to staff impacted by the bushfires.
For more information, contact the Member Rights Centre on 1300 366 378 or email fsuinfo@fsunion.org.au