The Health Services Union was informed by members that staff at Estia Camden were being asked to attend work 15 minutes prior to their shift starting in order to undertake Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT).

The HSU Industrial Team contacted Estia Management and received the following response – confirming staff do not need to attend work for RAT outside their rostered shift start and finish times:

“There has been no directive for employees to come in early to undertake this testing, the process is quick and efficient and can be done as they arrive for their shift as usual.

The testing is also voluntary, as you can appreciate we are strongly encouraging employees to undertake the testing … to ensure we can minimise risk to employees and residents”.

Thank you to members for getting in contact with us to seek clarification on this issue. This again highlights the importance of being a member of the HSU – to ensure your rights are being protected. If you know a work colleague who is not yet an HSU member, encourage them to join at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 478 679.