United Workers Union welcomes COVID-19 hygiene training

United Workers Union welcomes COVID-19 hygiene training

United Workers Union, the Union for hospitality workers, has today welcomed the announcement of training for hospitality workers and businesses to ensure venues are safe for workers and members of the public as the State looks to life after COVID-19.

Carolyn Smith, United Workers Union State Secretary, said the hospitality sector had been hit really hard over the past few months.

“Hospitality workers have had their jobs and hours vanish overnight with many not eligible for the Morrison Liberal Government’s JobKeeper support given the high levels of casual and visa workers in the sector.

“These workers want to get back to work, but they want to get it right to keep themselves and the public safe.”

Ms Smith said the Union was ready to work with Government and Employer Groups to get the best outcome for workers and West Australians.

“Western Australians should be really proud that we are even having this discussion when we look around the world.

“However if we rush this like some countries are proposing, we risk another shutdown and more importantly, a lot of lives.

“Hospitality workers need to know what their rights and responsibilities are as we try to re-open businesses. We need to make sure workers and the public are not put at risk, due to people’s desperation to make ends meet.

“They also need to know where they can go for independent advice or what to do if they see members of the public or their boss doing the wrong thing.

“The Union is also keen to see the recommendations from the State Government’s Inquiry into Wage Theft be part of the training to make sure workers aren’t taken advantage of.

“The Union looks forward to working closely with the Minister and all other stakeholders on making sure this training does all of this.”

ENDS

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