Unions threaten major strikes over rapid tests and masks as Omicron outbreak rages

Australia’s unions have threatened to stop work over “unsafe” work practices, with workers demanding free rapid tests and new masks as the Omicron outbreak rages.

Unions have threatened strike action over the failure to provide free rapid antigen tests and quality N95 masks at work.

Accusing the Prime Minister of fostering a “let it rip” culture, the ACTU said Australia was now suffering one of the highest per capita infection rates in the world, with workers feeling “exhausted and abandoned”.

Unions want all employers to carry out urgent new risk assessments for Omicron and provide workers with free rapid tests.

“Unions will not hesitate to do whatever action is necessary to keep workers safe,” ACTU President Sally McManus said.

“This will include, if employers do not respond, stopping work.”

“Employers will need to pay for and provide (RATs) in most workplaces where workers cannot work from home.

“Employers are also likely to need to upgrade masks, N95 or P2 masks and improve ventilation. This is absolutely essential.”

Unions are meeting 1:30pm today to consider what action we will take in response to the failure of the Federal Govt to keep us safe.

— Sally McManus (@sallymcmanus) January 17, 2022

The Prime Minister has failed to set out a national plan today. The AEU would advise our members that if they feel vulnerable as a close contact or they are worried about the potential risk to others, then they should not be going into a school environment. pic.twitter.com/wg10JzlD08

— AEU (@AEUfederal) January 13, 2022

The warning puts unions on a collision course with business that are calling for changes to allow close contacts and even Covid positive workers return to work faster in some cases to provide essential services.

It follows widespread food shortages as thousands of truck drivers were forced into isolation as close contacts.

Unions have accused the Morrison government of ignoring repeated calls over the last six months from unions regarding the urgent need to procure rapid antigen tests.

We’ve joined @unionsaustralia call to action. As @ScottMorrisonMP fails to keep working people safe, we’re facing a workplace/workforce crisis. We’re ready to use tools like stop work, banning unsafe work practices if we can’t get free RATs, upgraded masks & improved ventilation pic.twitter.com/bATx5JFLBe

— The AMWU (@theamwu) January 17, 2022

According to the government, 10 million RATs will arrive in the next fortnight, easing national shortages.

“Some 200 million RAT tests are now on order between the federal and state governments and the private sector,” Treasurer Frydenberg said.

“It’s a complex picture – it’s a trying time – but steps are being taken right now to alleviate some of those pressures.”

A delivery of the 1.2 million Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) procured by the NSW Government, arriving at Sydney Airport. Picture: Supplied.

MEDIA RELEASE: Unions to demand new Covid safe plans from all employers, free RATs for community and will take action to ban unsafe work pic.twitter.com/I15gtUlXAV

— Australian Unions (@unionsaustralia) January 17, 2022

The union said members will take whatever steps are necessary in their workplaces to ensure they are as safe as possible.

“Where employers do not fulfil their obligations, the union movement determines to do everything within its power to ensure the safety of workers and the community,” the ACTU said in a statement.

“This may include ceasing work or banning unsafe practices.”

“Free RATs are needed for the whole community to limit the spread and keep people safe, not just essential workers.

“The failure of the Federal Government to act and to provide free and accessible RATs puts us all in harm’s way.”

Originally published as Unions threaten major strikes over rapid tests and masks as Omicron outbreak rages