Transport Workers have faced unemployment, while others continue to work; some have been forced to change their hours or working conditions.
The TWU is calling on employers and governments at all levels to take on their share of the responsibility for your pay, your conditions, and your safety and to continue to value the essential nature of your work.
Your TWU Officials are still available and continue looking out for you in your industry. We are also providing officials with the means to remain safe as they continue their work.
It has been a tough time for us all but we will get through this together. We know we will emerge united and stronger than ever before.
To help along the way, here are eight tips to remember during this time to help you stay on track.
Understand your rights at work
Knowing your rights at work is number one on this list. Covid-19 has us asking questions about our rights both industrially and around safety in the workplace.
It is important to note that Government changes mean that if you are covered by an Enterprise Agreement, your employer can now give you just 24 hours’ notice to change your agreement. We recommend voting NO to any changes to your agreement until you speak to your TWU Official.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your EA or any matters in your workplace, you can contact your TWU Official or Delegate or the TWU Members Service Centre (MSC) on 1800 729 909.
Planning for your future
Your future can be overlooked but it has a big impact on how we see out our retirement. Many TWUSUPER members may be impacted by Covid-19 in the coming weeks and months and, for some, we know the pandemic will mean loss of income and financial hardship.
TWUSUPER can keep you updated about the details surrounding Covid-19 and your superannuation. If you do have any questions you can call them or visit their webpage.
Check your finances and set a budget
See if your current loans are meeting your needs. In times like this, every cent you can save counts. Check to see if you are getting the best deal? Beyond Bank offer TWU members access to a range of extra services such as Beyond Bank’s lowest 3-year fixed rate home loan. They also offer competitive rates on banking and personal loans that may meet your needs.
Get bang for your buck
Take advantage of Union Shopper. Here is another way to keep you saving when making everyday purchases. Union Shopper offers member discounts on a huge range of items from gift cards and movie tickets to new cars and appliances.
Union Shopper is only available to you if you are a financial member of the TWU, so it is important that you keep your membership current. Contact TWU Members Service Centre (MSC) on 1800 729 909 to let us know about any changes to your job, banking or contact information.
Contracted Covid-19?
On 14 May 2020, new workers’ compensation laws regarding Covid-19 commenced to simplify and make it easier for workers to lodge claims.
These changes allow infected workers to possibly claim weekly benefits and medical treatment and potentially other benefits. If you have been diagnosed with Covid-19 please contact Santone Lawyers who can provide advice around whether you can make a claim. It is also important to look at updating your will to protect your family and estate.
Are you looking after yourself?
There has never been a more important time to look after the health and wellbeing of you and your family. From staying active and eating well to getting regular health and dental check-ups. If you are looking for a new health insurance provider rt health are a fund that exists specifically to provide health cover to transport workers and their families. Keeping on top of your family’s health insurance gives you peace of mind knowing that you have cover when you need it.
Personal Accident and Sickness protection that covers you for Covid-19.
It’s great to know that members have access to a sponsor like Midland Insurance Brokers who have you covered should a member be diagnosed with COVID-19, the policy will respond (subject to the usual waiting periods). If you have not looked into Personal Accident and Sickness Insurance, then now could be the time. Midland also offer a range of other personal and professional indemnity insurances that you may want to consider.
A healthy mind is equally as important as a healthy body.
As frontline Transport Workers, stress can affect us in many different ways. Practising social distancing, good hygiene and caring for our immune systems are all essential to our physical health; however, we also need to tend to our mental health.
If you need someone to talk to, there are a number of options available to you for help like 1300 Driver (1300 374 837). Drivers have a tough job and 1300 Driver are there to talk when you need to 24/7.
You could also be in touch with the following organisations:
- The Beyond Blue Coronavirus Impact line 1800 512 348
- Sane, for mental health help at a difficult time: you can call their help centre on 1800 187 263 – Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm
- MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns 1300 78 99 78
Check in to see if your Employer provides an Employee Assistance program (EAP). An EAP is a counselling service available free to employees to support your emotional health and well-being both in the workplace & in your personal life.
The TWU continues to walk beside you providing a powerful voice for your needs to your employers and the governments. We will work together with the resources we have available to protect your pay, conditions and livelihood.
We ask that you remain in touch with us, keep your details updated with our Members’ Service Centre so we can remain in contact with you providing you with up to date and accurate information.
For further information or to seek assistance keep in touch with your Yard Delegates, Health and Safety Reps, TWU Officials or contact our Members’ Service Centre (MSC)on 1800 729 909
Connect with the TWU through our Facebook page www.facebook.com/TWUNSW or ourWebsite twunsw.org.au