Health workers in line for ‘pandemic leave’
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has flagged the possibility of pandemic leave for health workers, but denied it’s in response to demands from unions angry over deferred pay increases.
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ANNASTACIA Palaszczuk’s union has asked her to give health workers the same extended leave that’s been allocated to police and teachers.
In a letter to the Premier today, Australian Workers’ Union Queensland secretary Steve Baker said health workers including cleaners, kitchen staff and wardspersons had helped to lead Queensland’s COVID-19 response.
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“For many, this has meant making significant sacrifices both personally and professionally including working extended hours, spending time away from family and risking potential exposure to COVID-19,” Mr Baker wrote.
“In light of the recent announcement that police and teachers will receive additional leave, the AWU believes it is only fair that the contribution of frontline health staff be acknowledged in the same way.”
The Courier-Mail today revealed teachers would be given an extra two days annual leave at the end of the school year, on top of their other holidays.
The Premier Palaszczuk on Tuesday defended it as “pandemic leave” for those public servants who have had to work extraordinary hours during the COVID crisis.
“Is anyone is going to criticise our police and teachers for getting pandemic leave,” she asked.
“I don’t think so.”
Asked if it was in response to union anger over the deferred pay increase, Ms Palaszczuk said it was always her intention to grant workers pandemic leave.
She confirmed she would also be looking at the state’s health workers, saying she believed they also deserved “pandemic leave”.
Education Minister Grace Grace said the two days off for teachers was about giving them a “big thank you” for their efforts during COVID.
“We are recognising and talking to the (Queensland Teacher’s Union) about workload issues that have been on hold due to COVID-19,” she said.
“Obviously we want to make sure that we recognise the extraordinary efforts of teachers and principals.
“And we as a Government make no apologies for that.”
The move to give more of our front line workers “pandemic leave” also comes as it was announced earlier this month that Queensland Police officers will receive a one-off $1250 payment and an extra two weeks of leave for “going above and beyond” during the pandemic.
The deal was struck between the Queensland Police Union and State Goverment, which will see $14-15 million paid out to our states officers.