At the ASU we want to provide you with information to help you navigate the changes that will happen at work and outside work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This information includes
- Most recent restrictions in Victoria (announced 7/7/20)
- Easing of Covid-19 restrictions in Tasmania
- Getting the most up to date information on COVID-19
- Resources from the ACTU on COVID-19
- ASU Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the workplace fact sheet
- General advice from Maurice Blackburn Lawyers about workers rights and employer obligations
- Whether employers can stand-down workers
- Job Seeker payments during COVID-19
EASING OF COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS IN TASMANIA
The Tasmanian Government have eased Covid-19 restrictions.
The eased restrictions in Tasmania can be viewed here.
GETTING THE MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION
The best thing all of us can do to reduce the risk to ourselves and our families of COVID-19 is to follow expert health and medical advice.
Up to date information about COVID-19, including what you can do to reduce the risk of COVID-19, and what you should do if you think you have contracted COVID-19 is available at https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
RESOURCES FROM THE ACTU ON COVID-19
The ACTU has extensive COVID-19 Resource that brings together up to date information including OHS Alerts, employer guidance, medical alerts resources, and a workplace checklist. You can also sign up for regular COVID-19 updates from Australia’s peak union body here.
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) AND THE WORKPLACE
There are important things that can be done to reduce our risk of COVID-19 in the workplace. During this time of uncertainty where things are changing very quickly, the ASU here to support you in your workplace.
You can download the ASU’s fact sheet on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the workplace here.
GENERAL ADVICE FROM MAURICE BLACKBURN LAWYERS
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers have provided general advice for ASU members on their rights and their employer’s obligations. This includes advice on workers’ rights when quarantined, workers rights after a coronavirus diagnosis, casual workers’ rights, and employer’s obligations.
You can download general advice from Maurice Blackburn Lawyers here.
CAN MY EMPLOYER STAND ME DOWN
Some members have contacted the ASU about their rights in the event an employer seeks to implement a stand down. Further information about stand-downs is available here.
INFORMATION ON ACCESSING JOB SEEKER PAYMENTS DURING COVID-19
On the 22 March the Federal Government announced that there will be additional income support available for workers who lose their job, are stood down, on low incomes or are in casual and contract employment and meet the income test as a result of the economic downturn due to the Coronavirus. Centrelink has details of income support for those affected by COVID-19.
WE WILL KEEP SUPPORTING MEMBERS
The ASU is here to support you in your workplace. We will keep providing industrial advice and support to members. But the way we deliver these important services may change.
When arranging meetings, organisers may ask additional questions about how members want the meeting to proceed, and if there are options available that don’t involve face to face contact.
If there is a mass meeting planned for at your workplace, your organiser will be in touch with delegates to talk about whether members want the meeting to proceed.
Our Member Contact Centre cannot provide health advice, but the Industrial Support Officers in the contact centre can provide advice and assistance about your workplace entitlements.
If you have any difficulty accessing your entitlements please contact:
ASU Member Contact Centre | 1300 855 570 | info@asuvictas.com.au
ASU Facebook
Tim Sullivan's day job is as a crisis hero helping to change the lives of locals who have been or are at risk of homelessness.
This work makes a difference every day to people in the Bendigo region.
Outside work, Tim spends much of his time as a union activist. He's an active member of Bendigo Trades Hall Council Executive and even set up their new library.
We are really proud of the work Tim does in his community. And we are thankful to him for his commitment to the union.
Without any consultation with the workers who will be affected, Stonnington City Council has proposed a new uniform.
But ASU members at Stonnington's depot aren't alone trying to have their views heard – the ASU has been by their side.
Assistant Branch Secretary Melissa Wainwright visited the depot to discuss their concerns with the proposed uniform.
Shout out to all the great delegates at Stonnington depot who do fantastic work.
The ASU pays tribute to the career of Jenny Mikakos.
As Minister for Families and Children, Early Childhood Education and Youth Affairs Jenny was always available to discuss issues facing ASU members working in community services.
Jenny was also instrumental in steering the portable long service leave bill though the Victorian upper house. This finally delivered on a 15 year quest for ASU members to achieve portability of their long service leave.
We wish Jenny all the best for what will not doubt be a successful next chapter in her life.