Member News

As of 11:59 pm Sunday 27 September

Yesterday the Government of Victoria brought forward some easing of business restrictions – the most notable change occurred for our warehousing sector. Previous 67% staff reductions have been removed, and we have heard from many of our members today that this will make a big difference to their businesses and to their employees.  This is a good step forward.  The unilateral 33% workforce reduction was hurting both our local industry and our interstate members trying to get products distributed into Victoria and many were forced to close affecting businesses, harming employees and reducing our parts supply chain. 

Here is our assessment of the impact on all of our auto sub sectors – keep in mind when you check into the Victorian government website today that some sites are yet to be updated and there is a great deal of conflicting information circulating today.

Note: All workplaces now permitted must have a COVIDSafe plan in place if there are five or more workers on premises.

Manufacturing

New conditions are in place with some easing of restrictions. If you have been operating over the past six weeks you can now return to 100% employment, i.e. Manufacturing that continued to operate through the previous step can now operate with their usual workforce.

Manufacturing that was closed in the Heavily Restricted phase can re-open and operate at a maximum of 90% of normal daily worker level.

Conditions:

• Staff who can work from home, should work from home
• Carpooling restricted as per public health directions
• Ask staff to declare verbally before each shift that are free of symptoms
• Auditing of cleaning log
• Ask staff to declare in writing or electronically before each shift that they are free of symptoms, have not been in contact with a confirmed case and have not been directed to isolate

Warehousing

No workforce restrictions.

Conditions:

• Staff should work from home wherever possible
• Carpooling restricted as per public health directions 
• Cleaning log
• Ask staff to declare in writing or electronically before each shift that they are free of symptoms, have not been in contact with a confirmed case and have not been directed to isolate
• PPE training and supply
• Ensure that staff are not working across other work sites (exceptions apply)
• Create micro bubbles or pairing practices (e.g. two person lifting) to enable better tracing and isolation

Wholesale Trade

We can still see considerable restrictions for wholesale trade – not a great deal changed for this sub-sector.  Businesses on permitted premises list in previous stage can operate without workforce restrictions, including;

• Safety products wholesaling
• Cleaning supplies and disinfectants wholesaling

Has your business been closed for the past seven weeks? Businesses not on the permitted work premises list in previous stage are now allowed to operate at 67% of normal daily worker level.

Conditions

• Staff should work from home wherever possible
• Ask staff to declare in writing or electronically before each shift that they are free of symptoms, have not been in contact with a confirmed case and have not been directed to isolate
• PPE training and supply
• Carpooling restricted as per public health directions 
• Cleaning log
• Ensure that staff are not working across other work sites (exceptions apply)
• Create micro bubbles or pairing practices (e.g. two person lifting) to enable better tracing and isolation

Vehicle Service and Repair

Some subtle change to the wording: As of 11:59 pm Sunday 27 September mechanical services for safe operation, including scheduled servicing is allowed. Government official advice is that “If the nearest mechanic is more than 5km from your home, or if your vehicle requires a specialist and/or brand-specific workplace in order to complete repairs, you may travel outside the 5km zone to access these services”.

Conditions

• Staff should work from home wherever possible
• Ensure staff follow current public health directions when carpooling
• Ask staff to declare verbally before each shift that they are free of symptoms, have not been in contact with a confirmed case and have not been directed to isolate

Retail

Open with a COVIDSafe plan to supply motor vehicle parts for emergency repairs through contactless click and collect.

More information is being made available over the coming days and we will update you accordingly. If you have any questions regarding the current advice, please email  advocacy@aaaa.com.au