CTU to meet health officials over influenza A-H1N1

The CTU will meet Government officials and DHBs today and tomorrow amid growing concerns about the impact of Influenza A-H1N1.

Peter Conway, CTU Secretary, said: “A high level of co-operation is required. Unions have concerns about the health of workers and their families as well as the impact on employment and incomes at a time when the economy is already in a recession.”

“We have also had discussions in the last week with the Ministry of Health and the Labour Department and we have provided initial advice to unions on a range of relevant issues including income protection for workers.”

Conway said that although most employers have been very good in terms of providing both information and assurances to workers, the CTU has had reports of some employers being less co-operative.

“The CTU believes it is in everybody’s interest that transmission of the virus is slowed, although we accept that at some stage health advice may switch to mitigation if the virus has spread widely. It will be important for the Government agencies to regularly brief employer and union bodies.”

Conway said that although many workers have sick leave entitlements and are also paid if required to stay off work in these circumstances even if they are not sick, there is a need for the Government to consider special protection beyond emergency benefits for some workers.

He added: “Unions are looking for clear information and advice, co-operation to minimise the health risks for workers, and income protection for workers if they are off work.”