Vaccine roll out in the disability sector
In just one week we received over 1,000 responses to our survey about the vaccine in the disability sector.
Here’s what you told us:
The majority of disability workers, over 65%, are on track to be vaccinated. They have either had two jabs, one jab or have an appointment already scheduled.
While only 20% of disability workers are currently fully vaccinated two-thirds of the workforce are ready to get a vaccine today.
Women's Safety Summit
The Federal Government is holding a National Women’s Safety Summit on 6 and 7 September.
New Restrictions: Orange, Blayney, Cabonne
NSW Health has announced new restrictions for everyone living in the Orange City Council, Blayney Shire Council, and Cabonne Shire Council areas.
These new stay-at-home restrictions are in place from today until Wednesday July 28.
Everyone must stay at home unless it is for an essential reason.
The reasons you may leave your home include:
- Shopping for food or other essential goods and services;
- Medical care or compassionate needs (people can leave home to have a COVID-19 vaccination unless you have been identified as a close contact);
- Exercise outdoors in groups of 2 or fewer (unless members of the same household);
- Work, or teritary education, where you cannot work or study from home.
- Schools will remain open, under Level 3 restrictions. All staff and students are still expected to be at school.
- To attend a wedding or a funeral (but only during the grace period, which ends at 12:01am on Friday 23 July 2021). After this date, funerals will be limited to ten people.
- Masks must be worn indoors (not including the home) and in outdoor settings where you cannot socially distance from others (e.g. while queuing for takeaway).
New COVID 19 Support Packages
New COVID Support Package (announced 13 July 2021)
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Greater Sydney is “more severe, more dangerous and more protracted" (read about the latest NSW restrictions here) and has announced a new disaster payment package with the NSW Government for NSW workers and businesses.
New Restrictions for Greater Sydney
From the ABC
NSW's COVID-19 lockdown restrictions will be tightened after the state recorded 44 new infections — the highest daily number in the latest outbreak.
From 5:00pm Friday July 9 in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour:
- Outdoor public gatherings will be limited to two people (excluding members of the same household);
- People must stay in their Local Government Area or within 10kms of home for exercise and outdoor recreation, with no carpooling between non-household members;
- Browsing in shops is prohibited, plus only one person per household, per day may leave the home for shopping;
- From Sunday, the number of mourners at funerals will be capped at 10.
For more advice stay up to date with the latest at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/.
Union members can contact the ASU for advice or support at [email protected] or call 0293104000.
Disability Workers: COVID VACCINE Survey
The purpose is for the Australian Services Union to better understand our members' experiences and perspectives on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Answer the survey here.
This survey is open to all disability workers - please share it with your colleagues.
No personal or identifiable information will be shared with anyone. Your individual response is strictly confidential.
If you have any questions or concerns about the survey please contact the ASU at [email protected] or call 02 9310 4000.
Take the survey here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/NDIS_VACCINE_WEB
300,000 reasons to join your union
This week disability workers reclaimed $300,000 in unpaid wages.
ASU members at a disability service in the Hunter worked together and won back their entitlements with interest on top.
Already this year the ASU has recovered over $1.1 million in unpaid wages for ASU members in NSW
Joining your union is the best prevention against wage theft. If you're a disability worker - join the disability union, the ASU here.
Not being paid properly?
ASU members can email [email protected], call 0293104000, book a call with an Industrial Officer or organise a workplace visit from the ASU.
Get in touch today. We are by your side.
Sydney Water Threats
Workers at Sydney Water are essential. We have been working through the fires, drought, floods and the pandemic to keep our water safe.
We are currently testing wastewater to help keep one step ahead of COVID. Our work does not stop, and we work around the clock to keep water running at your home.
We are currently negotiating a new Enterprise Agreement at Sydney Water - to make sure we can protect our pay and conditions.
After Premier Berejiklian announced a 2.5% increase to public sector wages, Sydney Water were forced to do an embarrassing backflip after having offered essential workers a dismal 1%.
Since then Sydney Water have been in damage control.
The Australian Services Union has heard extraordinary feedback from members this week about the lengths that Sydney Water is prepared to go to, to sell their unfair Enterprise Agreement proposal.
It's been widely reported that Sydney Water has stated there will be "no backpay" if their EA offer is voted down. It is clear that Sydney Water is desperate to rush through their unfair deal.
The ASU is currently bargaining with Water NSW and Hunter Water and we can confirm that no such threats have been made by these employers. In fact, Water NSW has confirmed that when the pay increase is agreed it will be backdated until 1 July 2021.
Tax Time Member Benefits
Did you know that your union membership is 100% tax-deductible?
Your union membership can save you money and provide you with peace of mind protection in case anything happens at work.
We sent tax statements to members on 2 July 2021. If you need another copy, please email us at: [email protected]
Your Union-won Pay Rise
Thanks to Union members the minimum Award rates of pay for workers in Community and Disability services are going up by 2.5% from today.
During a year of floods, fires, and a global pandemic – you have been the essential workers getting us through.
You deserve to be recognised for your skills and contribution to our community. Workers truly make the difference.