Workers want pay assurance if quarantined

Workers are being told to stick to their guns and demand to be paid if they are sent home because of swine flu.

The Council of Trade Unions is holding a series of meetings with government officials and district health boards.

Secretary Peter Conway is seeking some sort of income security for workers.

"We're looking for clear information and advice. If workers are sent home, not because they're sick, but because of a requirement to be quarantined, most employment agreements would require them to be paid. That's certainly our view."

Conway is urging the Department of Labour to put out some guidelines so staff and employers know where they stand on the issue.

- NEWSTALK ZB