Hello members,

Congratulations to HACSU members who supported our petition for free parking for essential workers! We’re happy to say that announced yesterday, local councils across Melbourne will be making parking free for healthcare workers - contact the council where you parked if you get a fine. We’re still calling on all hospitals across Victoria to provide free on-site parking to workers.

In accordance with the announcement yesterday from Premier Daniel Andrews that stage 3 restrictions will continue until midnight May 11th 2020, new directions have been released from the Chief Health Officer which came into effect midnight 13th April 2020 with the following updates:

• For residents/consumers who have visitors entering to provide care; only one visitor is allowed each day (excluding any type of worker). Current directions can be found here.
• FAQs are also now available for questions relating to people entering care facilities, including disability houses.

The Department has also released further guidance on employment related matters, stating that any workers who are not unwell but are required to self-isolate will be granted paid Special Leave to cover the required self-quarantine period. A statutory declaration may be required by your employer as evidence. If you become unwell, then Special Leave ceases and Personal/Sick Leave will commence. Read more about the updated guidelines for workers here.

Testing criteria in Victoria has now been broadened even further; any person who has a fever or acute respiratory symptoms can be tested for COVID-19 can now be tested. Contact your GP via telephone or call the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 if you need to be tested and ensure you do not attend work if you have symptoms.

Just a reminder to members who may not already be aware, earlier this year the Government mandated vaccinations (including the annual flu vaccine) for all hospital and residential aged care workers who are in roles with direct patient contact. You can read more about this legislation here.

Assistant State Secretary Kate Marshall is in the Fair Work Commission this week fighting for HACSU members’ rights around temporary redeployment and consultation obligations in disability during COVID-19.

We’ve heard from support groups for families of people with disabilities around the ERP delay. These groups, including Supportive Families and Friends Association Inc. are calling on the Government to ensure that consistent workers are in disability houses throughout this crisis.

State Secretary Paul Healey and Assistant State Secretary Kate Marshall will meet tomorrow with DHHS transferred new providers to discuss what joint position can be put to the Victorian Government to improve the rights of workers and consumers during this pandemic. You may have seen a similar letter that was drafted by the NDS and national unions, including the HSU several weeks ago, that was put to the Federal Government.

We’re working on Side by Side this week, getting in touch with members across the union. If we haven’t yet spoken to us, know that we’ll be in touch soon – thanks to all the members we have spoken with so far, we’re humbled by your support and the work you do in your community.

In unity,

HACSU.