Australia’s union movement, including the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association, is calling on the Federal Government to introduce an 80% wage subsidy for workers who have been stood down or made redundant during the COVID-19 crisis.
This would be in line with a similar subsidy provided by foreign governments, including the UK’s Conservative Johnson Government.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has indicated that up to one in three workers have been affected by closures caused by COVID-19, leading rapid increses in unemployment and under-employment.
The ACTU’s Secretary, Sally McManus said that the subsidy would “save jobs and avoid an economic catastrophe”.
“This will give immediate certainty to both business and working people” through this crisis, McManus said.
The union movement is calling on all Australians to support this wage subsidy. You can show your support by signing up to this petition.
If you are a NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association member, please know that we are continuing to work with the Ministry of Health and private employers to ensure all nurses and midwives continue to have employment during this period. If you have any queries, you can contact the Association here.