As workers across Sydney face the prospect of an extended lockdown without pay, unions are demanding the revival of the Jobkeeper program.
The program was widely credited as a success for providing workers with a liveable income of $1500 per fortnight while maintaining the connection to their employer.
However the federal Government has steadfastly refused to consider resuscitating Jobkeeper, instead providing emergency payments of only $325 per week for those who have lost less than 20 hours a week and $500 for those who have lost 20 hours or more.
"The Morrison Government has been utterly complacent, both on vaccines and income support," said Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey. "Workers across Sydney have had their livelihoods smashed, yet the Liberals seem to think hoping for the best will do.
"It's time to resuscitate the program unions fought so hard to establish, and that is Jobkeeper. This program maintains the link between employer and employee and allows businesses and their workforce to re-emerge on the other side of a lockdown.
"This isn't rocket science. All the knowledge and experience is in place. We just require conviction and commitment from the federal Government.
"We also need proper pandemic and vaccine leave for people who have to isolate or get vaccinated. It would also help if the federal Government could deliver enough vaccines. The current system is a hodge-podge, with far too many Sydney workers falling through the cracks.
"The time for stunts and marketing spin has well and truly passed. We are back to crisis stage. The Morrison Government needs to step up."
Mark Morey 0425 231 812
