Many members are contacting us about workplace health and safety and the government’s pandemic advice. In simple terms, your employer must identify and control any risk and must consult with you and your union when doing that.

Expert advice must be heeded and what happens in your area depends on your job and industry, but the bottom line is there should be additional safeguards to protect you from possible transmission of the virus no matter what workplace you’re in, and there should also be measures in place to make sure you’re coping with the extra stress the situation is causing.

It’s great to hear that many workplaces are doing all they can to ensure workers are as safe as they can be, but equally disappointing to hear that some bosses are using the pandemic as an excuse to place workers at unnecessary risk.

Tragically, many of our friends and loved ones have lost their jobs or worse this week, and we know how devastating that can be for families and communities, so as the situation evolves make sure you’re looking out for your friends and colleagues - we’re all stronger when we work together and we need to do that to make it through this the best we can.

If you have concerns about any advice you get in your workplace, particularly if it contradicts advice from public health officials or us, you can discuss that with our team at HACSUassist on 1300 880 032 or assist@hacsu.org.au

Thanks again for all the vital work you do helping your fellow Tasmanians.