The Fair Work Commission has just issued a statement proposing, on its own initiative, to vary approximately 80 Modern Awards to:
(a) provide up to two weeks unpaid leave for an employee required to self isolate or is otherwise prevented from working because of measures taken by government or medical authorities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
(b) allowing an employer and employee to agree to take double annual leave on half pay.
The Commission has encouraged parties to bring further award variations to combat COVID-19 similar to those secured for the Clerks-Private Sector modern award and introduced on Saturday.
These new changes may be introduced as early as next Wednesday.
ABLA (acting for the ACCI) will keep you informed of all developments over the coming days.