Australia’s unions have threatened to stop work over “unsafe” work practices, with workers demanding free rapid tests and new masks as the Omicron outbreak rages.
Accusing the Prime Minister of fostering a “let it rip” culture, the ACTU said Australia was now suffering one of the highest per capita infection rates in the world, with workers feeling “exhausted and abandoned”.
Unions want all employers to carry out urgent new risk assessments for Omicron and provide workers with free rapid tests. “Unions will not hesitate to do whatever action is necessary to keep workers safe,” ACTU President Sally McManus said.“Employers will need to pay for and provide in most workplaces where workers cannot work from home.
“Employers are also likely to need to upgrade masks, N95 or P2 masks and improve ventilation. This is absolutely essential.” Unions are meeting 1:30pm today to consider what action we will take in response to the failure of the Federal Govt to keep us safe.The Prime Minister has failed to set out a national plan today. The AEU would advise our members that if they feel vulnerable as a close contact or they are worried about the potential risk to others, then they should not be going into a school environment.
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