Macquarie U steps-up for casual staff in virus crisis

The university is open for business but it has a plan if it can’t

Macquarie U will stay open, for now, with Vice Chancellor S Bruce Dowton telling staff and students, “cancellation of MU public gatherings at this time would not be proportionate, nor particularly effective.

However, Professor Dowton assures the community the university has a plan if it has to close, specifically to assist casual staff. “I recognise the loyalty and commitment of our casual workforce and that many of you rely on your shifts to meet day to day expenses.”

Professor Dowton commits the university to;

*  allowing casuals whose jobs permit to work from home

* rearranging shifts where possible

* assisting other casual staff by paying them for rostered work for two weeks. If the university is closed for longer, “we will review the situation accordingly.”