Eldercare has denied union claims it is sacking personal care workers who choose to work for another aged care provider. The United Workers Union issued a statement on Friday to say that Eldercare was forcing employees to resign should they choose to primarily work for another provider. However, Eldercare said it contacted these employees to ask their intentions and invite them to request further unpaid leave if their circumstances warranted it. Under current COVID-19 restrictions, South Australian aged care staff are only allowed to work at one facility to limit the risk of coronavirus spreading between facilities. The UWU said in statement that “Eldercare is effectively sacking essential aged care workers who have worked throughout the pandemic, telling them they must resign from their positions if they have another aged care job.” The UWU aged care director Carolyn Smith condemned Eldercare’s decision. “Eldercare cutting these workers’ jobs highlights the complete lack of respect management have for the workers who have carried them through the COVID-19 crisis,” Ms Smith said in a statement. “After turning up to work on the frontline every day through this pandemic, aged care workers shouldn’t be punished for doing their part to keep the community safe. These workers have done nothing wrong. For Eldercare to turn around and show them the door is a disgrace,” Ms Smith said.
