Wyndham residents who work in casual jobs will now benefit from the state government’s Sick Pay Guarantee.
Victoria will be the first state to offer casual and contract workers the ability to take time off if they’re sick, or need to care for loved ones.
The $245.6 million scheme will give casual and contract workers up to five days of sick and carer’s pay at the national minimum wage.
Werribee MP Tim Pallas said workers should not be forced to choose between a day’s pay and looking after their health.
“When people don’t have savings to fall back on, they’re forced to make the choice between the safety of
their co-workers and paying their bills. No worker should be forced to make that decision, so we’re making
sure they don’t have to,” Mr Pallas said.
“Insecure work is toxic – not just in Victoria but across Australia. We’re leading the way with this nation-first
trial to improve the lives of hundreds of…locals.”
Workers are now able to register for the two-year pilot program and it is anticipated that more than 150,000
workers will be eligible in this first phase.
Occupations included in the initial 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.
The state government will fully funding the scheme over the first two years, and it is hoped to demonstrate
a reduction in workplace injuries and illness, general productivity improvements from healthier workers, and lower staff turnover rates.
The state government said they will also deliver the program directly to workers, minimising the impacts on businesses, so they can continue to focus on economic recovery.
details: vic.gov.au/sick-pay-guarantee
