Unions threaten industrial action if employers do not agree to cover the cost of rapid antigen tests for staff, but business groups have already labelled the request 'unworkable'.
Unions are threatening industrial action if employers do not agree to cover the cost of rapid antigen tests for staff, but business groups have already labelled the request "unworkable".Unions are worried workers will end up in unsafe work environments it they do not have access to free RATs
Letters will now be sent to employers across the country demanding free RATs for workers, better quality masks and better ventilation. The unions argue that rapid tests ideally would be provided free for everyone by the federal government, but until that happens the burden should fall to employers.LIVE UPDATES: Read our blog for the latest news on the COVID-19 pandemic"But unfortunately someone has to pay for them, and in the case of the law, it's not workers — it's the employer."
"What we're pointing out is people's right to cease work if they are put in danger at work," she said."This isn't just about keeping them safe; it's about keeping the whole community safe."Business groups and the federal government have both criticised the demands and the threats of industrial action that come with them.