Union win in the NT: Government introduces fines for coughing/spitting on all workers

As the COVID-19 crisis continues, SDA members are doing an incredible job to keep Australia running and to help our communities.

Following calls by the SDA, on Tuesday 21 April 2020 the NT Government announced  that anyone who deliberately coughs or spits on any worker will be fined $5495 on the spot.

SDA Secretary Josh Peak wrote to the Chief Minister on Monday April 20 calling on him to introduce stronger protections to protect workers in retail.

As some of the most essential yet vulnerable workers in the country, this is a great step to ensure you’re protected and safe at work.

It’s great to see Chief Minister Michael Gunner and his Government recognising that you deserve to be treated with respect at work.

These fines send a strong message to the community: abuse and violence towards retail and fast food workers will not be tolerated.

On top of this, the SDA continues to call on employers to implement our 10 Point Health and Safety Plan and introduce an essential services wage increase of $5 per hour for all workers.