Coronavirus is a group of viruses that normally cause mild illness with symptoms similar to a common cold. In December 2019, a new strain of coronavirus was discovered called COVID-19. This strain is highly contagious and can cause serious illness and even death in people considered ‘high risk’. COVID-19 has created an unprecedented crisis for our health and economy. Workers are facing enormous challenges including job insecurity and serious health risks. As we all do our bit to contain the pandemic, Australian Unions are fighting to protect the rights, safety and livelihoods of all workers. In this section you will find information on how COVID-19 effects working life and how you can protect your rights at work.
Paid to isolate: understanding the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment For workers needing to isolate or quarantine, you may be able to access the federal government’s national Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment. However, there are eligibility criteria that mean not all workers can get the payment. Rules also vary depending on whether your first day of isolation was…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/covid-aware-supporting-workers-2/
Every worker has the right to safe and healthy work. This includes the right to be protected from COVID-19 at work. Omicron is a highly infectious strain of COVID-19 that can cause serious harm and even death. It is an airborne virus that is transmitted between people who are in close contact with each other….
https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/omicron-what-are-my-rights-at-work/
Work health and safety information about testing for COVID-19
https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/testing-for-covid-19/
Workplace health and safety information about ventilation and COVID-19
Workplace health and safety information about physical distancing and ventilation
https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/covid-workplace-risks/
Work health and safety information about managing the risk of COVID-19 and transport and from work.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/transport-to-and-from-work/
Workplace health and safety information about managing the risk of COVID-19 in the workplace and consulting workers.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/consulting-workers/
Workplace health and safety information about privacy at work and COVID-19
https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/privacy-at-work/
Workplace health and safety information about managing the risk of COVID-19 and safety gear/personal protective equipment.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/safety-gear-ppe/
Workplace health and safety information about managing the risk of COVID-19 and workplace cleanliness and hygiene
https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/workplace-cleanliness-and-hygiene/