Cairns council: Coronavirus fears after union accusations

The CFMEU has lashed out at Cairns Regional Council for making no special provision for COVID-19 leave for staff and failing to provide workers with essentials like running water, toilet paper and soap.

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THE CFMEU has lashed out at Cairns Regional Council for making no special provision for COVID-19 leave for staff and failing to provide workers with essentials like running water, toilet paper and soap.

Queensland Workplace Health and Safety inspectors visited two council construction sites this week and issued one notice over hygiene.

“The notice related to a lack of water running … in a portaloo and the absence of toilet paper, which had been stolen the previous night. Both issues were rectified immediately,” a council spokesman said.

CFMEU regional organiser Rolly Cummins said many worksites had toilets with no paper, soap or hand towels – let alone sanitiser – and training about social distancing and other coronavirus measures had been next to non-existent.

“Workers are not being provided with disinfectant sprays and wipes to properly clean public amenities, council trucks are overcrowded, and workers’ toilets are cleaned once a week,” he said.

Mr Cummins said workers, many on casual contracts, feared for their jobs with the council refusing to negotiate leave mechanisms.

He warned it could lead to staff deciding to attend work despite being unwell.

“This puts the whole community at risk,” he said.

The council spokesman said all staff and unions were provided with regular COVID-19 updates and advice, and staff had been given “necessary” hand sanitisers, disinfectants and surface cleaners, including sanitary wipes.

Originally published as Cairns council: Coronavirus fears after union accusations