The Australian Unions Support Centre provides free and confidential assistance and information for all workplace issues. We’re here to provide support, regardless of your job or industry. All Support Centre enquiries are 100% confidential.
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If your employer is refusing to implement any of these measures, it’s time to give your union a call.
Last week, the budget offered Australians a little relief, especially for parents. This includes an injection of about $4 billion over 4 years into affordable early childhood education and care, and an expansion of Paid Parental Leave from 18 to 26 weeks. These two wins will help mums to enter or re-enter the workforce. …
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/10/31/the-power-of-campaigning-a-budget-special/
When the pandemic hit and many workers shifted to working from home, a new avenue opened. We had a taste of what flexibility on our own terms could look like.
u know how giant tech companies love championing the innovation and productivity of their workers? It was only a few years ago the billionaire tech company CEOs and executives were caught cheating their own employees.
In alarming news for all workers, Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly warned yesterday that COVID case numbers will soon surpass all previous peaks.
Good news for workers without paid sick leave: the Albanese Government has restored the $750 Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment.
COVID hospitalisations in Australia have soared to more than 4,000 people. The last time we saw a figure this high was in February this year during the summer Omicron outbreak.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/07/14/how-to-prepare-for-the-third-wave-of-covid-19/
Going on strike in any industry is a last resort. But NSW nurses and midwives have had to do it not once, not twice, but now three times this year.
A recent report from the Australia Institute has found that a concerning number of people are showing up to work either symptomatic or after exposure to the virus. Their findings also suggest that the large majority of these people are young workers in insecure jobs.
If you haven’t had the conversation already, it could be coming soon. Whether you welcome the request or not, your employer may ask for you to return to the physical workplace. But what if you don’t want to go back?
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/05/11/can-your-boss-force-you-back-into-the-workplace/
We’re heading into a new era of work so if you’re feeling unsure about how to navigate a post-pandemic work environment, you’re not the only one.
“We don’t have a choice about if we are going to be exposed to COVID or not if we are in receipt of daily care.”
Finally, the news we’ve been waiting for has arrived. The Morrison government has made Rapid Antigen Tests needed for work…. tax deductible.
Ultimately, this decision provides no immediate relief for workers who have been so frantically trying to secure themselves RATs.
What price for the vote of an aged care worker? For an increasingly desperate Scott Morrison, it would seem it’s a paltry $400.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/02/03/400-for-your-vote-aged-care-workers-say-no/
Have you got questions about your safety and rights at work during the Omicron variant spread?
It has been another uneasy summer for teachers around much of Australia. Having navigated nearly two years of challenging online learning, teachers watched as the Omicron variant sent COVID-19 infections through the roof, making a return to the classroom in 2022 a challenging proposition. “This was the time of the year when teachers and principals…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/01/24/are-back-to-school-covid-rules-protecting-workers/
The Morrison Government must step up to make Rapid Antigen Tests free and accessible to all. That’s why Australian Unions has launched a new television ad calling on the community to help us convince the Morrison Government to make RATs free and accessible for all. We need your help to get this ad far and…
The rapid spread of the highly infectious Omicron variant of COVID-19 comes at a time when many workplaces are unprepared. Register for this urgent meeting where Sally McManus and work and health and safety experts will provide advice and support on how to make work safe and prevent transmission.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/01/21/omicron-and-workplace-safety/
Of course, it was all smirk and mirrors, and as we head into the third year of an increasingly gruelling pandemic, Australian workers are under no illusions about whether the Prime Minister is putting their health and safety first.
Thanks to the power of workers organising and hundreds of messages sent to Woolworths’ Facebook page over the weekend, every worker who has tested positive for COVID will be able to isolate, rest at home and recover.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/01/19/covid-positive-workers-no-longer-forced-back-to-work/
The union movement will do everything we can to keep people safe and act to slow the spread of this latest wave of the Covid pandemic.
Teys Australia will force South Australian abattoir workers who are COVID positive to report for duty at work on Monday.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/01/14/covid-positive-abattoir-workers-forced-back-to-work/
But if you’re in a sweat because you’re worried about leaving work due to having Covid-19 symptoms – don’t be. It’s your right.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/01/13/symptoms-at-work-you-have-the-right-to-leave/
Well, that’s another year that can get in the bin!
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/12/09/2021-another-year-that-showed-union-values-matter/
The world of work will never be quite the same after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. How it will look and what impact it will have on workers is still to be determined.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/11/29/making-our-workplaces-safe-is-a-race/
There’s a lot of noise from employers at the moment about not being able to find workers. Even with millions of workers returning to the labour force after falling out of work during the pandemic, employers – apparently – simply cannot find anyone to fill vacancies. In response, the Morrison Government has announced this week…
Sending a parcel in the mail and expecting it to arrive on time has become a set and forget ritual for millions of Australians. As we approach Christmas, we could all be in for a rude shock as global supply chains buckle under the strain of a post-pandemic restart. It’s not just customers who are…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/11/08/workers-deliver-a-message/
As many parts of Australia head toward the 80% target of double COVID-19 vaccination for eligible people, a sense of excitement is building for a life free of long lockdowns and pandemic restrictions that have disrupted so many lives. At the same time, reaching that vaccination benchmark is a source of real anxiety for hundreds…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/10/28/the-pandemic-trap-secure-jobs/
Insecure work is at crisis levels in central Queensland. Nearly 4 in 10 workers (38.7%) are in casual work. 1 in 2 workers in central Queensland no longer have a permanent job. Mining and manufacturing companies have been deliberately replacing permanent jobs with insecure ones. Insecure work is incredibly prevalent in central Queensland. The region is…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/10/21/insecure-work-central-qld/
Meet one of the frontline workers getting us through this Pandemic; veteran registered Nurse Michael Dawes.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/10/18/michael-dawes-on-the-job/
Healthcare workers share their stories of working on COVID-19 frontline as our hospitals fight to keep on top of the wave of infections.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/10/05/healthcare-workers-covid-stories/
A paramedic shares what it’s like working on the frontline of a pandemic, and how the support of his coworkers and union are getting him through.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/09/27/on-the-frontline-paramedic/
Australians are facing an organised campaign by far-right activists to undermine confidence in our life saving public health response, writes Sally McManus
The aged care system faces uncertainty as the deadline for mandatory vaccination of aged care workers expires today, writes Francis Leach.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/09/17/aged-care-workers-face-staff-shortages/
Healthcare workers are the irreplaceable heart of our healthcare system. They must be better supported through the surge in COVID cases, writes Lauren Piko.
Contrary to misconceptions, Australia’s health and care sector is still facing a vaccine crisis, writes Francis Leach
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/08/20/workers-facing-vaccine-crisis/
Addressing the inequalities in Australia’s housing market is essential to our economic recovery, writes Lauren Piko
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/08/20/housing-must-be-considered-in-economic-recovery/
This week on On the Job, guests from the IMO discuss the 250,000 seafarers stranded by COVID-19 travel restrictions, and thier efforts to support them.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/08/18/the-pandemics-forgotten-seafarers/
COVID-19 has continued to expose vast inequalities, drawing back the curtain on who we really are as a nation and what we stand for, writes Francis Leach
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/08/17/the-fair-go-is-all-but-gone/
When demand outsrips supply, mandating vaccines for workers is not the key to a successful vaccine rollout, writes Francis Leach
With over half the country in lockdown, Morrison must stop shifting blame to the individual for vaccine rollout failures, writes Lauren Piko
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/08/06/collective-support-not-individual-blame/
The PM must put aside magical thinking and act now protect workers from the econmic realities they face, writes Francies Leach
To support workers through the latest COVID crisis, the Government must first face up to the realities of the insure work, writes Lauren Piko
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/07/23/facing-the-realities-of-insecure-work/
The inequalities that existed before COVID-19 are widening as workers in insecure jobs suffer the worst of the pandemic, writes Francis Leach
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/07/16/the-war-against-covid-is-also-a-fight-for-equality/
Workers in insecure work continue to pay the price for the Morrison Government’s vaccination mess, writes Francis Leach
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/07/08/meet-the-workers-paying-the-price-for-morrisons-mess/
Unions call for an immediate reinstatement of JobKeeper as workers pay the price for another lockdown, writes Francis Leach
Morrison must do more as a rent crisis emerges and the pandemic continues to wreck havoc on those without job security, writes Francis Leach.
According to a new decision by the Fair Work Commision, putting on PPE should be done on work time, not personal time, writes Francis Leach.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/06/07/wearing-ppe-at-work-is-part-of-the-job/
The Morrison Government’s bungled vaccination rollout has put workers and vulnerable people at potentionally deadly risk, writes Chloe Ward.
A year on from the start of the pandemic is a good time to reflect on what happened, and how investment markets reacted. As 2020 dawned Australia was coping with drought and fire. It sometimes feels like a lifetime ago, but it was just over a year ago that we all saw footage of beach…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/05/05/covid-19-and-investment-markets/
For a Prime Minister who’s big on announcements, Scott Morrison has been strangely quiet about the vaccine rollout amongst care workers.
This time last year, Australian Unions fought for, and won, JobKeeper. This week, the Morrison Government has taken it away, with no plans for a replacement, writes Chloe Ward.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/04/02/the-end-of-jobkeeper-and-those-left-behind/
It’s true Australia has done better than most countries when it comes to responding to the coronavirus crisis. But as we emerge from this pandemic, we’re at serious risk of slipping behind on one key measure.
Chief economist for the independent think tank The Australia Institute, Dr Richard Denniss, has labelled cuts to the JobSeeker payment “absolutely crazy”, warning it will see an extra 190,000 people living in poverty. Speaking with On the Job with Francis Leach & Sally Rugg, the prominent economist and author explained, “From an economic point of view, putting…
Shadow Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP says Australians deserve a “better normal” for the sacrifices made during the pandemic including jobs “that are secure with decent pay and conditions”.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/12/02/a-better-normal-after-covid-19/
Shadow Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP says Australians deserve a “better normal” for the sacrifices made during the pandemic including jobs “that are secure with decent pay and conditions”.
Shadow Minister for Education and Training, the Hon.Tanya Plibersek MP, says investment in cheaper, cleaner renewable energy is a “no brainer” as we begin our COVID-19 recovery.
If there has ever been a time where we needed the Spirit of Christmas – it’s the Summer of 2020.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/11/30/christmas-is-sorted-with-union-health/
Welcome to the November instalment of your Member Benefits Update, dear readers.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/11/06/member-benefits-update-november-2020/
Gen Y and Gen Z are suffering heavily from the COVID-19 pandemic, with new research suggesting their key life milestones have been set back years – or possibly forever.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/11/05/great-australian-dream-slipping-away-for-the-young/
“All the shirts are unique and you never know how one will look – that’s why it’s so exciting… ”When COVID-19 hit, Beth was laid off from her job in the fashion industry after 15 years.
Long before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the global economy, a reset to serve the wellbeing of people and the planet was plainly needed.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/09/01/what-happens-next-book-offer-and-competition/
When business restrictions were introduced to slow the spread of COVID-19, Amy* found herself amongst the thousands of workers in Australia without work.
“It all changed so quickly. One week I was told to work from home and then the next week, I was stood down,” she said.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/08/17/got-questions-about-your-work-rights-during-covid-19/
In what’s been an already devasting year, it’s fair to say Victorians have had an especially rough week.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/08/10/paid-pandemic-leave-what-is-it-and-why-do-we-need-it/
We can celebrate a victory this week, with the Fair Work Commission finally listening to Australian unions’ calls for paid pandemic leave for aged care workers.
Welcome to the August edition of your Member Benefits Update.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/08/05/member-benefits-update-august-2020/
Aussies have shared some tough times during COVID-19 but the silver lining is that we’re talking more about money matters – and looking for ways to give our financial skills a lift.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/08/03/why-were-talking-more-about-money/
While the Morrison Government contemplates tax cuts for the wealthy and returning to a punitive approach to welfare payments, Australian unions have been thinking hard about what comes after the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/07/23/what-comes-after-covid-19/
Michele O’Neil interviewed young workers and how they were affected by COVID-19.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/07/22/in-conversation-young-workers/
The Morrison Government must stop dragging its feet on urgent reforms to protect vulnerable workers during the current COVID-19 crisis, and after.
Watch Michele O’Neil’s full interview on Insiders where she discusses our National Economic Reconstruction Plan.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/07/19/michele-oneil-on-insiders/
As the COVID-19 pandemic takes a dangerous new turn in Australia, the Federal Government must provide all working people with paid pandemic leave.
After tribunal rejection, ACTU doubles down on paid pandemic leave for all.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/07/09/paid-pandemic-leave-for-all/
Every Australian can win, if discussions between the government, business, and the union movement address weaknesses in workplace law that started long before the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 has seen lots of us working from home for the first time.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/06/19/new-tax-break-for-working-from-home/
Welcome to the June edition of your Member Benefits Update.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/06/03/member-benefits-update-june-2020/
Read the full article here
For many of us, working from home is another challenge we must deal with as a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/05/01/tips-for-working-from-home/
In the April edition of your Member Benefits Update we bring you advice on the COVID-19 pandemic, we look at online shopping and how to stay safe and there’s some good news on our latest win with the new wage subsidy program.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/04/02/member-benefits-update-april-2020/
How ME can support their customersCOVID-19 (Coronavirus) can have an impact on both people’s health and their financial wellbeing.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/03/27/covid-19-update-from-me/