AUWU calls for full suspension of ‘mutual’ obligations
Victoria is entering level 4 lockdown restrictions – it's dangerous to reintroduce ‘mutual’ obligations
The Australian Unemployed Workers’ Union calls on Senator Cash to immediately suspend the reintroduction of all mutual obligations activities.
Minister: do your job and keep us safe.
It’s reckless to encourage people to engage with job agencies at a time when Victoria is entering stage 4 lockdown and NSW is on the brink of another COVID19 outbreak.
Job agencies have continued to lie to, bully and harass people since ‘mutual’ obligations were first suspended. They can’t be trusted to keep JobSeekers safe.
The government's irresponsible handling of this crisis has encouraged job agencies to manipulate and bully JobSeekers, and puts the whole community at risk.
Know your rights – information for JobSeekers
AUWU advice says changes announced by the Prime Minister on 21 July do not mean that JobSeekers will be forced to participate in all ‘mutual’ obligations – most activities remain effectively voluntary. We will be sending detailed information to all AUWU members: join at auwu.org.au.
What you don’t need to do
After 4 August you still don't need to agree to a job plan, attend appointments or do job search, training or other activities unless you want to. There are no penalties for not doing these activities.
What you do need to do
After 4 August you do need to accept suitable work if there's no valid reason to refuse, or you may have your payment cancelled.
You are allowed to decline suitable work if you have a valid reason, for example, a health concern.
We believe that risk of COVID19 infection and/or enforced lockdown is a valid reason however, despite repeated requests for clarification, this has not yet been confirmed by the minister’s office.
AUWU support for JobSeekers
Contact us on 1800 AUWU 4U (1800 289 848) if you need support responding to intimidation or misinformation from your job agency.
Media contact: 0413 261 362 / media at auwu.org.au
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