Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay residents who are casual workers will now be able to access sick leave thanks to a new scheme from the state government.
The $245.6 million Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee will now allow vulnerable workers to take time up to five days off a year when they‘re sick or need to care for loved ones.
Casual workers can now to register for the two-year pilot program, with more than 150,000 workers anticipated to be eligible during the first phase of the scheme.
Occupations included in the first phase include hospitality workers, food trades workers and preparation assistants such as chefs and kitchen hands, supermarket and supply chain workers, retail and sales assistants, aged and disability care workers, cleaners and laundry workers and security guards.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the fact that casual workers have to choose between taking care of their health and wellbeing or feeding their family is wrong.
“The ultimate decision they make isn’t wrong – what’s wrong is they’re forced to make it at all,” he said.
“The last two years have shown just how difficult that choice can be for casual workers – so we’re doing what we can to make sure it’s a choice they don’t have to make.”
Workplace Safety Minister Ingrid Stitt said: “We need every worker for the recovery of our economy – the best way to do that is through secure work. This scheme will protect more Victorians and give them the support they need when they’re sick or caring for a loved one.”
