Friday, 4 February 2022
CPSU NSW takes up COVID-19 fight for disabilities workers
Thank you for making your voices heard through our recent COVID-19 survey. Your alarming responses has prompted your union to write to the:
Our members tell us that they overworked, and undervalued. Members reported being exhausted, not supported and feeling of despair.
The results paint a dire picture.
- 77.5 per cent of respondents have had another staff member in their workplace contract COVID-19
- Only 3.2 per cent have RATs available for clients or staff
- 35 per cent said a client in their group home has contracted COVID-19, with another 13.45 per cent unsure.
- 22 per cent said they wore PPE only when there were known COVID-19 cases
- 72 per cent said they wore full personal protective equipment at all times, while 22 per cent said they only wore PPE during an outbreak
Further, members described inconsistent COVID-19 procedures. Many reported arriving for their shift at work only to discover there were cases at the site. This lack of warning means people will often start work without realising greater infection prevention and control measures, including PPE, need to be taken.
Your union is urgently asking that both State and Federal Governments:
- Prioritise the distribution of RATs to the disability sector
- Maintain a minimum isolation period for disability workers who are close contacts of a week
- Introduce the same level of support to the sector as seen in aged care, including a surge workforce and retention bonus in recognition of the significant pressure the workforce faces.
Your union power depends on Disability Workers uniting and supporting each other.
Join the the CPSU NSW at www.cpsunsw.org.au/join.
