It has come to the HSU’s attention that staff who were required to take rapid antigen testing before their shift hours had been given wrong information that they would “not be paid for the additional time as staff at other SCC sites are being tested within their allocated shifts”.

Your HSU Industrial team contacted Southern Cross Care Human Resources immediately and obtained their confirmation in writing as below:

“[We] can confirm that all staff who attended their shifts early for the purposes of a rapid antigen test will be paid accordingly. This arrangement was limited to a 5-day period and will be rectified shortly. Moving forward, staff will commence at their usual time for a rapid antigen test.”

If you received an email on 15 September 2021 that states “[p]lease arrive 15 minutes before your shift to ensure you have enough time to complete your test” and you did so between 15/9/2021 and 19/9/2021, you are entitled to get paid for the extra 15 minutes of the five-day period. SCC HR has confirmed that “[p]ayroll has been notified and will make the adjustments for this fortnight’s pay run”.

This is a small but meaningful win for workers who are looking after our elderly during this difficult time. If you know someone who isn’t a union member yet, there’s never been a more important time to encourage them to join. Joining is easy: visit www.hsu.asn.au/join, call 1300 478 679 or contact your local delegate or Organiser at [E-Mail not displayed] or 0458 012 322.