During the COVID-19 pandemic, your HSU representatives are continuing to work hard. We’re making sure we keep members up-to-date and support you all during these unprecedented times. We’re here for you – please reach out if you have questions or concerns regarding your workplace.
All members need to support our campaign calling on the State Government to immediately change its policy to enable health workers to use special paid leave before accessing sick leave during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sign and share our petition: https://bit.ly/2yJDVkp
BreastScreen SA
The HSU strongly condemns the SA Government’s failure to source redeployment for BreastScreen SA (BSSA) radiographers who now are being offered only 15 days of COVID-19 special leave from BSSA.
This means if redeployments are not found soon- staff will be forced to exhaust their leave entitlements or be left without an income.
The HSU has written to BSSA and the SA Government asking for a guarantee of wages for all affected HSU members and to find suitable redeployments immediately.
With so much uncertainty its important that all BSSA stay informed, HSU representatives will provide regular updates. All BSSA staff need to be with the HSU, speak to your colleagues about joining, forward them this email and point to this link https://hsusant.org.au/join/
JobKeeper payments pass Parliament
Last night The Australian Government passed the $1,500 per fortnight wage subsidy for eligible employers amid COVID-19.
In order to claim the subsidy, businesses must notify the Commissioner through the Australian Taxation Office of their intent. This can be done through the ATO’s website using the details of the employees for whom they intend to claim the payment.
If you have been stood down or your wages are usually less than $1,500 per fortnight, you will receive at least $1,500 before tax per fortnight. Any payment above your usual fortnightly income will not be subject to compulsory superannuation contributions but you can speak to your employer about increasing your contributions.
If your employer is still operating and you normally earn more than $1,500 per fortnight, this should not change. You are still entitled to the conditions of your award or Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.
Those who are self-employed, including some private practitioners, are eligible for the Jobkeeper subsidy if they have a registered ABN before 12 March 2020 and their estimated turnover will fall by 30 per cent.
HSU is writing to several employers to confirm their eligibility and make sure they’re doing everything possible to keep members employed.
Check out the Australian Council of Trade Union’s fact sheet here, and further information for employees from the Australian Government here.
SA Health: COVID-19 Update
WHS is a top priority during COVID-19 – as it should be. Safe workplaces must make sure that workers are protected. During the COVID-19 pandemic personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers is in extremely high demand.
Across local health networks, SA Health has implemented a COVID-19 PPE Matrix for use in the care of hospital patients. Chief Health Officer Nicola Spurrier has assured SA Health staff that they are working with local manufacturers and suppliers to find solutions to any PPE shortages during these unprecedented times.
The COVID-19 PPE Matrix can be accessed on the SA Health website or by clicking here.
