AWU Qld welcomes pandemic leave

Date: 29 May 2009

The Australian Workers Union has welcomed the Queensland Government decision to provide for Special Pandemic Leave for State public servants as a necessary precaution amid the widening H1N1 influenza.

AWU Queensland Branch President Garry Ryan said the Bligh Government was implementing sensible precautions to protect workers and their families if a "public health emergency" is declared.

Govt must plan for worst and allow workforce to protect and care for their families

"The number of H1N1 influenza cases in Australia has doubled to more than 50 this week. It's important for Government to plan for the worst, and these measures are a necessary precaution," Mr Ryan said.

"As a Union, we have sought assurances that workers are protected at work and if necessary can protect and care for their families at home."

"These measures get the balance right between public health priorities and minimise impact on work and industry."

Disciplinary action  should be applied with care

Mr Ryan said the Government had also decided that any refusal by staff to attend work due to fear of contracting the virus would be deemed as "unreasonable", and Department Chief Executive Officers could take disciplinary action and could be placed on leave without pay.

"The Government needs to continue to provide information to its employees. We have seen the number of H1N1 cases increase significantly in recent days.

"The Government needs to understand that this has caused heightened concern in our community and the public service.

"The AWU would urge the Government to apply these provisions with care," Mr Ryan said.

Sensible provision for workers to access appropriate leave in case of a pendemic

Mr Ryan said in the event of a declaration of a public health emergency, employees caring for ill family or household members or those required to care for their children if school or childcare centre closes would be eligible for 20 days' paid leave once they had exhausted sick leave accruals.

The directive also includes provisions for accessing long-service leave, supporting public servants performing volunteer roles relevant to any pandemic response and provisions for non-essential employees not required for work.

For further information

Contact:	Jim Wilson
Union:	AWU Queensland
Contact Mobile:	0419 765 952
WWW:	http://qld.awu.net.au/

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