Marc

Hi I just wanted to bring this to light. 

Discrimination for a compromised immune system!!

As from the 9th of April even tho I’m employed full time I won’t be earning any money to support my family. 

Now with this coronavirus going on I have a completely different financial struggle and I’m wondering if anyone else has the same situation and if you can do anything about it. 

If you have an auto immune condition and your unable to attend work because of this due the government’s high risk category which your in and you and your employer are following their guidelines, who is responsible for you not earning any money because of this?

Back in 2012 I was diagnosed with an auto immune disorder called Sjrogrens Syndrome so with the government guidelines I’m in the high risk category getting the coronavirus. 

My workplace at Tomago NSW knows of the condition I have. 

And Sunday night they sent out this message.

CORONAVIRIS UPDATE – Further to Commonwealth and State announcements, today we can confirm that we are currently included as “essential services”.

Unless you are unwell, in high risk category or required to care for a family or household member, PLEASE attend work tomorrow (Monday 23rd March).

Any unplanned absence is to be advised in the usual way. 

Assessment to consider social distancing measures will occur early Monday morning.

Please do not reply to this message

I messaged them to say with that advice I shouldn’t be going into work and can you advise me what to do as I’m high risk & shouldn’t be attending work due to your message can you advise me about being paid still.

They said it’s ok for me to stay at home and I’m allowed to use my leave entitlements. 

Well I dont think l should have to do for a start that but I’m happy to do that if I really have to but the problem is I only have enough to cover about 11 days. (April 9th) That’s all well & good but the virus is probably going to be going on here for at least 6months. 

So what happens after the leave entitlements are used up?

I was told by my safety manager the government has nothing in place to help pay my wages only the unemployed. And I should contact centrelink to see if they can help

So where does it leave us. In not a very good place….. in a very bad place in fact as we are already struggling to get by already on reduced wages because I had a workplace injury and have been on workers comp for over a year now. So I haven’t been able to work over time for over a year now to help us out.

I tried calling centrelink yesterday but couldn’t get through. Even tried online but the website was still down from the very laughable cyber attack.

Everyone else seems to be getting financial assistance apart from people who can’t actually work now due to having a compromised immune system. 

We rent also. What renters?? Its ok if you have a mortgage. 

Just wondering if you can do anything about this? Things are going to get extremely tough soon for me, my partner & my 5, 2 year old sons.

Thanks for your time and help. 

Kind regards, 

Marc.