COVID-19 Update - Public Service Association

COVID-19 Update

Last Friday, the PSA and Combined Unions met with the Department to discuss how Transport would manage the introduction of mandatory testing for workers who reside in the Fairfield LGA.

Who can attend to work?

The subsequent Public Health Order made on Saturday had originally ended these arrangements with everyone living in the Fairfield, Canterbury/Bankstown and Liverpool LGA prohibited from leaving their LGA for work, except healthcare workers.  The Government once again changed the arrangements by extending the list of “authorised” workers on Sunday.

The list of “authorised” workers includes those who work in road transport, transport support services and critical safety operational staff. The full list of authorised workers can be viewed here.

While Transport workers are listed as authorised workers under the Public Health Order, it is still expected that if a worker can work from home, they must be allowed to. If you are a worker whose role cannot be undertaken from home and the role does not fall within the exemptions, TfNSW will look for alternative duties.

If as a result of the Health Order you are prohibited from attending to work and alternative arrangements are unable to be made you will be supported with special leave.

Testing Arrangements

Though there are changes in who can attend for work, the directions for testing for workers in the Fairfield LGA and Greater Sydney remain in force. On Friday, TfNSW outlined the key work arrangements for members required to get regular COVID – 19 testing to attend work.  The arrangements include:

  • A declaration that they have been tested using an online form before entering a workplace (tested within the last 3 days for those residing in the Fairfield LGA and within the last 7 days for those leaving Greater Sydney for work).
  • Affected members will also need to carry evidence that they have had a test. It should be noted that there is no explicit requirement for workers to have a negative result, they just need to be able to show they have been tested before entering a workplace.
  • In the event that a staff member presents to work and for whatever reason has been unable to be tested staff will be able to do this during their shift. Staff will not be able to enter a workplace if they have not been tested.
  • If any members are unable to be tested before their shift it is encouraged that they contact their manager and explain their situation.
  • Transport has sent out information to managers and are encouraging them to have conversations with their staff around these arrangements.
  • The Transport Management Centre will be monitoring traffic at testing sites and notifying health when traffic cannot be handled.

The PSA met again with TfNSW on Saturday and will continue to consult with Transport as to how these, and any new, working arrangements are managed and implemented as a result of any Public Health Order.

The PSA will send out further information to members when further clarity has been provided by the Department in regards to these matters.

If you are experiencing any issues with the current situation or have further questions. Feel free to reach out to your PSA Organiser, Ben James. E: .

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