FAQ about the floods
What will the NUW help me with?
The NUW will provide assistance with any workplace issue you have. For all other assistance you should contact the Queensland Community Recovery Line on 1800 173 349 or Centrelink regarding the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment – Queensland Flooding on 180 22 66.
Do they have to pay me?
You should check your site Agreement (or your Award if there is no Agreement). Your employer may choose to invoke stand down provisions but should allow you to access your leave entitlements, or any RDOs you may have accrued. If you are having difficulties accessing your entitlements, call NUWAssist on 1300 275 689.
How long will I be without a job?
This will depend on the length of time it takes the floodwaters to recede. However, you should be able to return to assist in the clean-up of the site as long as it is safe for you to do so and would not be in breach of the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995.
How am I going to pay my bills?
Your employer should allow you access to your leave entitlements to tide you over. You may also be eligible for financial assistance through the Queensland or Federal Governments. You should contact the Queensland Community Recovery Line on 1800 173 349 or Centrelink regarding the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment – Queensland Flooding on 180 22 66.
Can I access Government Benefits?
You may be eligible for financial assistance through the Queensland or Federal Governments. You should contact the Queensland Community Recovery Line on 1800 173 349 or Centrelink regarding the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment – Queensland Flooding on 180 22 66.
Do they have to give me my job back?
Yes, unless the business has completely ceased to exist, in which case you would be entitled to any applicable redundancy as per your site Agreement or the National Employment Standards.
Am I entitled to a payout?
You will only be entitled to a redundancy payout as per your site Agreement or the National Employment Standards if the business has ceased to exist as a result of the flooding.
Can I take time off to clean up my home/flood damage?
Any reasonable employer should allow you to access your leave entitlements or take unpaid leave in order for you to make your home habitable and secure. You should call the Union on 1300 275 689 if you are having difficulties. You should also contact the Queensland Community Recovery Line on 1800 173 349 for assistance.
Does my employer need to pay me/give me time off if I volunteer for flood relief/emergency services?
You should check your site Agreement. The National Employment Standards allow an employee to be absent from their workplace if they are engaging in an eligible community service activity. You should notify your employer as soon as possible. Call the Union on 1300 275 689 for further information.
