News

Wednesday, 19 January 2022

TAFE NSW COVID update


Earlier this week, the CPSU NSW sent out a bulletin advising that members were captured by the new National Cabinet COVID exemptions, which would have changed the isolation rules required for TAFE NSW employees.

The CPSU NSW subsequently wrote to TAFE, and TAFE has advised that it does not believe it is are captured by the recent National Cabinet decision. This means the new isolation rules proposed by the Federal Government do not apply to TAFE employees. Instead, if you are a household contact, you must self-isolate for seven days. If you are a close contact, you must also isolate for seven days. You can access the NSW Health advice on isolation requirements HERE.

We have also spoken to TAFE about a number of other COVID-related issues, which we would like to provide members an update on.

Booster shots

If you want to get a vaccine booster, the Special Leave provisions that applied last year continue to apply. This means that the two hours of Special Leave as outlined in the Employment Arrangements issued by the NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet is available for TAFE NSW staff to get a booster (third dose) of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Mandatory vaccine deadline

Most, if not all, CPSU NSW members would be aware that the deadline for getting both doses of the vaccine is 31 January 2022. However, if you have only recently decided to get the vaccine and won’t be able to schedule your second vaccine before 31 January 2022, TAFE will not take steps to terminate your employment. If you have a second vaccine booking scheduled for after 31 January, you should speak directly with your manager to figure out how best to manage your situation (whether it be working from home until you get vaccinated or leave arrangements for the time between 31 January 2022 and your second dose of the vaccine). Of course, if you have any issues with this, get in touch with the CPSU NSW and we will do what we can to assist you.

 

If you have any questions concerning the above, or have any additional questions that are not addressed in this bulletin, please don’t hesitate to contact the CPSU NSW on 1300 772 679.