Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a $5 million two-year trial that will provide paid sick leave and pay for casual workers. Named “The Secure Work Pilot Scheme,” this program will begin at the end of the next year and will affect all casual workers in the state of Victoria.
The scheme is designed to provide up to five days of paid sick leave for causal or insecure workers. These workers will also receive (who is eligible) carer’s pay at the national minimum wage. The sectors with high rates of casual employment will be the first to experience the new scheme.
Besides other professions, senior care staff, cleaners, hospitality workers, security guards, and supermarket workers are also eligible for this trial.
Mr. Andrews said that pandemic has shown how fragile the nation’s economy is. It affects those who are doing insecure work.
He added:
“Insecure work is toxic. Insecure work isn’t just bad for those who work under those conditions, it’s bad for all of us and we pay a price for the fact that so many people – particularly those who work in public-facing jobs – do not have sick leave. You don’t want to be served in a restaurant by someone who is sick. You don’t want your elderly parent or grandparent to be cared for in a private aged-care facility by someone who’s sick.”
This pilot scheme will be funded by the government.
Source: https://afndaily.com.au/2020/11/23/vic-to-trial-sick-leave-for-casual-workers/
