Disability workers have a challenging job at the best of times, but it’s twice has hard during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Disability workers are supporting their clients during self-isolation. This means new responsibilities (such as enhanced hygiene procedures) that aren’t reflected in your current pay.
The ASU has made a joint application with disability sector stakeholders to vary the SCHDS Award to provide an allowance for disability workers who are required to work with clients who:
- are required to self-isolate or self-quarantine;
- the employer reasonably suspects have COVID-19;or
- have COVID-19.
The allowance is $4.94 per hour. This recognises the additional responsibilities that come with supporting clients during the pandemic.
The ASU will be in the Fair Work Commission on Monday, 4 May 2020 to argue our case. We are also calling on the Federal Government to step up and support the disability sector by fully funding the allowance.
The ASU also supports the ACTU claim for 20 days paid pandemic leave for workers who are required to self-isolate because they are exposed to the virus or become ill.
Pass this bulletin to your friends and colleagues in the disability sector. If you aren’t an ASU member, you can join at www.asu.asn.au/ASUJOIN.
More information
For more information, please get in touch with the relevant contact below (download the full bulletin here).