We’ve heard reports that some employers are expecting employees to attend work when they are unwell or believe they may have COVID.
We want to ensure our members have a clear understanding of their rights regarding work and COVID.
These are your rights:
- You are required to notify your employer as soon as practicable if you are unwell and you cannot be compelled to work if you are unfit for work. This includes casual workers who are not eligible for paid sick leave. It also applies to employees who are working from home.
- Employees who are eligible for paid personal leave will need to comply with any documentary requirements that apply, for example, the provision of a medical certificate or stat Dec.
- Both employers and employees are obliged by Workplace Health and Safety laws to minimise and prevent safety risks. If you have COVID symptoms then while you are waiting to get tested or get test results, you are following your WHS obligations to notify your employer that you are not attending work until you have been cleared of COVID.
Every employer has a duty to ensure the health and safety of their employees. All workers have a right to stop work if work is unsafe.
If you have any questions about your rights, please contact your WAS team on 1300 273 762.
If you are not a union member, join Professionals Australia now to ensure that you and your colleagues’ rights and entitlements are always protected.