Unions say workers should not be required to go into workplaces while they are in isolation

Unions are demanding the state government amend its directive allowing critically essential asymptomatic close contacts to go to work, insisting “let it rip” policies would increase supply issues and put lives at risk.

Unions are demanding the state government amend its directive that allows critically essential asymptomatic close contacts to go to work, insisting “let it rip” policies would increase supply issues and put lives at risk.

Queensland Council of Unions general secretary Michael Clifford said workers should not be required to go into workplaces while they were isolating.

Union secretaries met last week and wrote to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to voice their concerns.

“Requiring close contacts to go into workplaces increases the risk of spreading the virus to other workers and can exacerbate problems with the supply of essential goods and services,” Mr Clifford said.

“Unions understand the need to keep our essential services running and to maintain essential supplies.”

Queensland Council of Unions general secretary Michael Clifford. Picture: Supplied

But Mr Clifford said “Let it rip” policies that “undermine safe workplaces” would increase supply problems, not help them.

“Worse, they will see many more people get sick and put more lives at risk,” he said.

Unions are demanding close contact essential workers not be required to work while isolating and if they are, it should only be with their consent.

Pointing to the lack of rapid-antigen tests, Mr Clifford slammed the Federal Government, claiming it had “failed miserably” in keeping the community safe.

But he said workers’ safety should not be put at risk if they couldn’t be tested daily.

“Questions should be asked about what stockpiles the Federal Government has and how they are distributing them between states,” he said.

“They have advocated for a ‘let it rip’ strategy but have failed to make sure we have the tests needed to help keep the community safe.

“But if RATs are not available for daily testing, then workers safety should not be put at risk. “Daily RATs, worker consent, and the best possible PPE must be the preconditions for any ‘close contact’ worker attending a worksite to help maintain our critical goods and services.”