NSW Government should protect workers from abuse and violence as they reopen

 The Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis, has urged the NSW Government to introduce measures to protect retail and hospitality workers from abuse and violence as they begin to reopen on Monday, 11 October.

Ms Cotsis said it was extremely concerning the Government was continuing to ignore the surge in violence and abuse against workers, which in the retail sector alone had risen 78 per cent over the past year.

“From healthcare workers in hospitals, to floor staff at local grocery stores, workers across this state have been victims of verbal abuse by some members of the community who are projecting their frustration with the extended lockdown and restrictions.

“The threat of violence and abuse against workers will only heighten next week when they are required to check the vaccination status of customers.

“It is worrying that Government has no plans to safeguard workers as part of its roadmap in opening up the State.”

“The new Premier needs to address this issue as their first priority tomorrow. I have yet to hear from the Government, more than two weeks after requesting a meeting with the Premier, Health Minister and other ministers to discuss the development of a coordinated campaign to keep workers safe.”

“It is unacceptable that businesses have been left to develop their own guidelines on how to protect their staff when checking the vaccination status of customers.”