Time for employers to step up on COVID protections

In response to accelerating case numbers around the country, your FSU is writing to employers across the finance sector. Our letter calls for clear commitments to protect employees through the increasing impacts of the pandemic.

The Australian Health and Safety Act obliges employers to ensure our workplaces are safe. This includes supporting employees when we need to test and isolate.

You can read our letter to employers here. Please contact your union if you have questions or suggestions about the situation in your workplace. You can email fsuinfo@fsunion.org.au, or call the FSU Member Rights Centre on 1300 366 378.

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Key points in our letter to employers

Paid Vaccination Leave
Our high national vaccination levels are in part thanks to the availability of paid vaccination leave. We are calling for confirmation that paid vaccination leave will apply for workers to get their own booster shots, or to enable vaccination for children.

Paid Pandemic Leave
We seek confirmation that that sick/personal leave will not be required for testing and isolation purposes.

Working Arrangements
We have asked for updates on policy around Working From Home. We also call for clarity on the impact of absences due to isolation requirements, on staffing levels in retail networks. Low staffing levels must not impact negatively on employees’ health and safety.

Rapid Antigen Testing
Given the recent changes to public health advice around testing and isolating, we request an update on current workplace policy.

Direct Exposure
Staff who are knowingly exposed to COVID-19 at their workplace must be supported in taking appropriate measures to ensure their personal safety. We are calling on employers to clarify their policies around this critical issue.

Our first priority as a union is the wellbeing of all members. If you have any further suggestions about action needed in our workplaces – or if you have a question – email fsuinfo@fsunion.org.au or call the FSU Member Rights Centre on 1300 366 378.

Your FSU Team

Authorised by Julia Angrisano, National Secretary