The Christchurch Earthquake - Some Advice for Workers
A natural disaster like the Christchurch Earthquake is an extraordinary event. Along with loss of life, injuries and all of the direct challenges faced by people in Christchurch, the relationship between workers and employers will be disrupted. The following are points for affected workers to keep in mind:
- Your health and safety is your first concern. It may require your judgement, but you shouldn’t do anything that is going to put your wellbeing at risk. Buildings must be safe. Your concerns about safety need to be respected.
- You may have many other concerns – keeping your job, pay, relocation, ACC claims, counselling – seek advice on these concerns. You need support. Don’t be afraid to ask for it.
- If you are able to work, your employer should continue to pay you. Even if you aren’t able to work, we think employers should keep as many people as possible employed on full pay. Remember, the employer may qualify for assistance from the Government such as the Earthquake Support Subsidy to help them to keep paying wages. Equally the earthquake may have caused major disruption to their operation and, despite best intentions, there may be problems – try to stay in touch with your employer.
- Look at your employment agreement. It will cover issues like leave. It may also say something about temporary redeployment. And if the business looks like it will close permanently, your agreement may say something about how the employment relationship should be ended, including redundancy pay. Also you may qualify for Earthquake Job Loss Cover.
- If you are unable to work or unable to get to work, contact MSD through the Earthquake Government Helpline on 0800 779 997 or visit the links on the right-hand side of this page. You can download an overview of th Christchurch Earthquake Support Package here.