In launching its National Economic Reconstruction Plan, Australian Unions have called on the Morrison Government to deliver paid pandemic leave for all working people.
In a statement, Australian Unions President Michele O’Neil urged the Prime Minister to commit to the special leave, as a way to “protect the livelihoods of Australian workers and businesses”.
“No one should face a financial penalty or risk losing their job so that they can isolate or get tested. Paid pandemic leave needs to happen immediately.
“This is essential in stopping the spread of the virus,” Ms O’Neil said.
A recent Victorian found that 89% of people didn’t self-isolate when feeling unwell, prior to receiving a COVID-19 test. Much of this was attributed to the fact that workers felt they could not afford to take time off work due to feeling ill.
The Australian Unions plan calls for pandemic leave to be paid at 100% of workers’ pay, regardless of their classification.
Recently, the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation won paid pandemic leave for aged care nurses covered by the Nurses Award. NSW Health nurses and midwives also receive paid pandemic leave.
If you would like to be part of the fight for paid pandemic leave, join the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association today.