Workers Footing SARS Bill

Workers in a number of industries are being told they must foot the bill for SARS.

From journalists at SBS being told to take long-service leave if returning from SARS affected areas to a 10-day stand-down period for bank workers, employers are now being told to back off and stop penalising staff for SARS.

Unions say it is particularly pathetic to see banks passing the buck.

Bank workers are being pressured not to take overseas vacations, and the Finance Sector Union says ANZ has issued guidelines on SARS including a forced 10-day stand down period for all travellers returning from Asia.

The time will be extracted from existing sick leave entitlements.

ANZ staff are also told they should avoid any 'close contact' with travellers returning from SARS-affected areas for seven to ten days.

The NSW Health Department has advised unions that only workers in the health industry and those who exhibit flu-like symptoms should be subject to workplace quarantine.

"It is ironic that the major banks, who make billions every year, expect staff to foot the bill for health and safety precautions," NSW-ACT secretary Derrick said.

"Our members are responsible and are aware of the government travel warnings - it is not the role of the employer to be determining how they should spend their leave.

"The impact of these policies is that workers are basically being told where they can take their holidays. This is management by decree gone mad.

"We're asking ANZ to review the policy are start treating their staff like adults."

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Last modified: Tuesday, 15-Nov-2005 20:37:38 EST