Victorian Casual Workers Will Get Paid Sick Leave Under a New Two-Year Trial

Finally some good news for casual workers.

Casual and insecure workers in Victoria can breathe a sigh of relief today because the state government has just announced a $5 million two-year trial that will provide casual workers with paid sick leave and carer’s pay.

This means that casual workers in sectors with high rates of unemployment will now receive up to five days of paid sick leave and carer’s pay at the national minimum wage.

This is a huge win, especially considering so many casual workers were left without shifts or jobs when COVID-19 spread and hit Victoria the second time.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Monday that the new Secure Work Pilot Scheme would be a major focus in the state budget. This new scheme is planned to begin in late 2021 or early 2022.

Mr Andrews posted a tweet this morning expressing that no one should be in a situation where they have to choose between their health or their job.

In the announcement made today, Mr Andrews described how the coronavirus pandemic highlighted the problems within insecure work and why it is so imperative for everyone to have access to sick leave.

"Insecure work is toxic. Insecure work isn't just bad for those who work under those conditions, it's bad for all of us and we pay a price for the fact that so many people—particularly those who work in public-facing jobs—do not have sick leave, do not have sick pay, do not have carer’s leave to fall back on" Mr Andrews said.

"You don't want to be served in a restaurant by someone who is sick. You don't want your elderly parent or grandparent to be cared for in a private aged-care facility by someone who's sick.".

Mr Andrews explained that this allocation would specifically impact essential workers, so aged care staff, cleaners, hospitality workers, security guards and supermarket workers may be eligible. However, the final list is yet to be determined.

At the moment, the two-year pilot will be fully funded by the Victorian government in the 2020/21 budget and will be at no cost to business.

The 2020/21 budget is set to be handed out on 24 November.

This announcement has made Victorians cheer to say the least, with many people flocking to Twitter and calling the premier a "good egg".

He’s done it again has Dan.

Looking out for those who need what others (may) take for granted.

Dans a good egg. He’s a keeper!#DanForPM https://t.co/yLxlACv74Q

— Mat Tyler (@mattyler22) November 23, 2020

You can find out more about the Secure Work Pilot Scheme here.

Header Image: Darrian Traynor via Getty Images