IMPACT OF THE COVID- 19 PANDEMIC
WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS? – FACTS NOT FEAR Dr Peter Lin
A MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY
As we go through this unprecedented health and economic emergency it is important to remain informed and up to date with developments that could affect you and your families. This page will provide you with up to the minute information from reputable and official sources. As the virus threat changes information will be changing as well. We will be doing our best to update this page as and when required.
COVID-19: ETU KEY PRINCIPLES
1. Keeping Members, their families, and our communities safe from COVID-19 is the top priority.
2. No Members left out of pocket.
3. All decisions focused on keeping and creating decent jobs.
4. Union Members and their Union must be involved in all decision-making.
(Peter Ong State Secretary)
A MESSAGE FROM THE ACTU
As Australian workplaces remain at risk due to the ongoing coronavirus Pandemic, it can be difficult to know for sure what your rights at work are. Ensuring that your rights at work are upheld and respected by employers is core business for the Union movement. That’s why he ACTU has put together a range of free resources for working people about coronavirus and your workplace rights and safety. If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Visit the dedicated COVID-Aware site Here and supporting resources Here
HEALTH
Australian Health updates and resources Click here
Non-biased information from respected Doctor Dr. Norman Swan Click here
World Heath Organisation daily updates Click here
For Queensland and Northern Territory specific updates
Queensland
Northern Territory
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
JobKeeper and JobSeeker extended but cuts to rates and new terms and conditions introduced - no extension to eligibility
Services Australia COVID-19 Support
Coronavirus COVID-19 information and support
Queensland Government announces $1500 hardship grant for casual workers who test positive to COVID -19 and have no access to paid sick/pandemic leave or Jobkeeper.
Queensland State Government State Government and Government owned Corporations
Please find below the link to the gazette copy of the new Directive 01/20: Employment Arrangements in the Event of a Health Pandemic (Directive). The Directive has been approved by the Minister for Industrial Relations and the Public Service Commission Chief Executive. It is a joint Directive replacing Directive 06/18 [Employment Arrangements in the Event of a Human Influenza Pandemic]. The Directive is effective from 16 March 2020. Should you have any questions in relation to the new Directive, please do not hesitate to contact your Organiser. Click here to view Directive
JobKeeper disputes first step contact your Union. JobKeeper dispute information
ACTU updated factsheets and information re: JobKeeper Click here
ETU National Releases Stimulus Factsheet/Guide with Q&A ETU Q&A Stimulus Factsheet
INDUSTRIAL
For all the up-to-date information Re: Industrial Relations during Covid-19 https://coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au/
SAFETY AT WORK
SafeWork COVID Guidelines Click here
Fact sheet Building and Construction FAQ COVID-19 Click here to download
SafeWork Australia - Preparing workplaces for Covid-19 Click here
WorksafeQLD - This link provides a contact in the event that a worker contracts Coronavirus during the course of carrying out their duties at work and other info on Coronavirus safety @ work. Click here
Handy Guide to stopping the spread of COVID-19 for essential service workers Click here
COVID-19: Resources Safety and Health compliance update from Resources Safety and Health Queensland including the Coal, Mineral Mines and Quarries, Explosives and Petroleum and Gas Inspectorates. Resources Safety and Health (RSH) has developed a guidance note concerning safety and health compliance and enforcement during COVID-19. Please review the Guidance Note which should be read in conjunction with the Resources Safety and Health Compliance Policy Here
Mental Health Resources – MATES in Construction, Mining and Energy have advised that they will continue to provide their exceptional service to members during this time. Click here for information
AGREEMENTS
If your employer tries to force a vote on changes to your Agreement:
- Contact the Union immediately;
- Request that workers be given adequate time to consider any variation;
- Make sure any variation proposed is time limited; and
- VOTE NO - unless you have been given enough time to consider the changes and genuinely agree with them.
More on Agreement variations.
In response to Covid-19, some employers are seeking to make changes to the wages and conditions of their employees. Before you agree to any changes to your current wages and conditions, make sure you are fully informed and understand the process. Talk to your Organiser and ask for their support and assistance. We have experienced Organisers who can help. In the meantime, here are some links to the Fair Work Commission’s website: FWC COVID-19AdviceEB FWC COVID-19FactSheet making application to vary agreement
Public Holiday's
“All Members who would normally have been rostered to work on any of the upcoming Public Holidays should be paid for the Public Holiday, based on the hours they would otherwise have worked. In stating this, the Union relies on:
- Section 114 of the Fair Work Act provides that an employee is entitled to be absent on a public holiday Click here
- Section 525(b) of the Act says that an employee is not taken to be stood down when they are “otherwise authorised to be absent from his or her employment”. Therefore they should not be taken to be stood down on a public holiday Click here
- Therefore the employer is required to pay employees for what would otherwise have been their ordinary hours on that day – see Section 116 of the Act Click here
If you have any questions, please contact your Organiser in the first instance.”
MORE HANDY RESOURCES AND LINKS
Fair Work Ombudsmen. This link to the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website provides information about your rights and entitlements. If you have any further questions, please ring your Organiser in the first instance. Fair Work Ombudsman General
Important news re: Queensland Licence renewals, VVR, CPR and PTR during Covid-19 Pandemic Factsheet correct as at April 2020.
SUPER
Energy Super COVID -19 page
Click here
LEGAL
Hall Payne Information re: Workers Comp
Click here
STAY SAFE, STAY INFORMED
For more information and tips to help improve your safety and well-being, visit The Dept of Health Website Click here