Employees allege Teys Australia Wagga dismissed coronavirus concerns and threatened disciplinary actions
Workers at one of the Riverina’s largest employers allege the company dismissed concerns about early measures against the coronavirus and threatened them with disciplinary actions.
The Wagga News
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Two workers at one of the Riverina’s largest employers have alleged they are facing possible disciplinary actions after raising concerns about workplace measures to combat the coronavirus.
A man and woman, who began working at Teys Wagga in February after the devastating bushfires prompted them to move, allege the company dismissed their concerns about following measures against the coronavirus after it was declared a pandemic.
The pair, both in their 20s, have refused to re-enter the workplace since March 24 after an allegedly heated discussion with the company about the virus, which has so far killed one in Albury and 25 others across the country.
They allege that it was only the day after the discussion on March 23 that Teys began to implement changes at the Wagga site despite announcing on March 17 its preventive measures and sending staff an email on March 18 about its actions.
Teys sent emails, seen by The Wagga News, to the two employees this week ordering them to return to work.
The male employee claimed that their return was subjected to filing statutory declarations in relation to their absences.
He alleges that a staff member told him via phone they would “face disciplinary actions” if he and his co-worker did not submit the declarations.
He also alleges that during the initial discussion, they were given “verbal warnings about us holding onto our jobs” and that their concerns were not being listened to.
“It sounded clear that they didn’t want to discuss anything further, that it was finalised,” he said.
“We didn’t understand where we stood, but it sounded like our employment was going to be terminated.”
He said it was “not on and not fair” for fellow meat workers.
“It's about other people who work there as well,” he said.
“There are still answers they haven't provided.”
The female employee, who said she was present during the alleged dispute, said “there should’ve been measures taken at the start” of the pandemic on March 11.
“Employees don’t deserve to be put in potential danger of a virus that may kill you,” she said.
Teys Australia, which employs about 800 people in Wagga, has six meat-processing facilities in Australia and it is not suggested that the workers’ allegations are directed towards all sites.
Under work, health and safety law, all businesses are required to take action to manage the risk of coronavirus to workers and others in the work environment.
SafeWork Australia states that while many workers in the food processing industry cannot work from home, employers must identify risks to work health and safety from exposure to the virus and, wherever possible, put in place appropriate controls.
SafeWork also states that workers may refuse to work “if there is a reasonable concern that they would be exposed to a serious risk to their health and safety from an immediate or imminent hazard”.
In an online statement first issued on March 17 then updated on March 26, Teys stated that it “continues to work with all arms of government to ensure both the protection of our people and the continuity of supply”.
It also states that Teys has introduced temperature testing, free flu injections, expanding staff rooms and more protective gear among its measures against the virus.
In response to questions about the allegations, Teys Australia stated suggestions the company did not take employee concerns seriously was incorrect because the safety of its workforce “is paramount”.
“From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have communicated regularly with health authorities, the department of agriculture and industry groups and have always acted according to government regulations and guidelines,” it stated.
“We have added extra levels of safety to address COVID-19. These include social distancing requirements both during work hours and at lunch times, through staggered lunch hours and the creation of new outdoor areas that facilitate workers being able to distance from others.”
In relation to the delay, the company stated that due to the demand on some items, Teys had to wait for delivery of masks and outdoor marquees in the early stages of the pandemic but that they followed guidelines at the time.
It also said that as an added layer of safety, the company now requests returning employees during the pandemic to complete a “company form”, not a statutory declaration, in addition to a medical certificate.
“We make no apologies for being extra cautious in our efforts to protect our workforce,” it stated.
Requests to interview Teys management in Wagga were declined.
The male employee maintains that they were asked to complete statutory declarations and not company forms.
Mark Perkins, an official of the Australasian Meat Industry Employees’ Union NSW, has claimed that over multiple days this week, Teys has denied him access to speak with employees about any concerns.
“Again I am at the Wagga site today trying to exercise my right under the Fair Work Act to enter the premises and hold discussions with members and potential members, but unfortunately this right is being denied,” he said on Thursday.
Teys has dismissed his claims, saying he was allowed to enter but the coronavirus measures have meant a stricter entry process.
During March 17-30, coronavirus cases in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District rose from one to 31.
This morning, the local health district confirmed its first death from the virus — a 74-year-old woman who contracted it overseas died in Albury Base Hospital.