Workers required to self-isolate due to COVID-19 may now be eligible for a $1,500, after an about-face by the Berejiklian Government.
The scheme, which is already in effect in other states, allows workers to access a one-off payment every time they are required to quarantine or self-isolate at the direction of NSW Health.
In a move away from convention, the leave will be accessible to all workers, including those in casual positions or undertaking contract work.
The Berejiklian Government had so far resisted calls to implement the scheme, despite her counterparts in other states having already introduced it.
Mark Morey, Secretary of Unions NSW, described the announcement as a win for workers and their unions.
“[This win] would not have been possible without the many thousands of you who signed petitions, emailed and called their MP,” Mr Morey said.
This scheme does not supersede previously negotiated pandemic leave entitlements, which may be more generous than those being introduced. These include the current entitlements accessible by nurses and midwives who work for NSW Health.
If you are having difficulty accessing paid pandemic leave, and you are an NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association member, please don’t hesitate to get in contact. If you are not yet a member, you can join today.