Strikes unlikely but unions join call for free RATs as one million isolate | JennieDuke
Employees are unlikely to strike over coronavirus health concerns despite demands rising from unions and business groups for the federal government to provide free rapid tests amid a workforce crisis as one million Australians isolate., Australian Council of Trade Unions secretary Sally McManus has denied there are any plans for workers to walk off the job in protest as the Omicron outbreak surges and supply chain issues leave businesses struggling.
The ACTU has requested businesses undertake a new risk assessment due to the Omicron variant and to pay for and provide RATs to employees when they become available. “A lack of workers has strained supply chains, particularly in the food sector, with shelves threadbare in some supermarkets,” he said. “Of course, infected workers have little choice but to stay at home.”
Ms McManus said it was “disappointing” the government was trying to score political points during the crisis, particularly when businesses and the unions are aligned on the need for free and accessible rapid tests. “Rapid antigen testing is an important tool as part of a broader arsenal ... in ensuring employees can safely return to the workplace,” he said.
“Rapid tests are a critical tool but they aren’t a silver bullet, that’s why businesses are putting in place COVID safe plans, innovative team models and best practice procedures to keep workers, suppliers and customers safe,” he said.
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