A McDonald's spokeswoman on Tuesday said workers at some Victorian outlets were not allowed to start their shifts unless they took a temperature test conducted by their manager. Those with temperatures above 38 degrees had to go home and talk to a doctor.
"We continue to trial the use of temperature checks in accordance with the government's previously published advice and the best interests of the health and safety of our people and customers,"the spokeswoman said.
A Domino's spokeswoman said the company had"rigorous"hygiene practices,social distancing and hand sanitiser in its stores across the country as well as temperature checks. McDonald's,which has had acluster of coronavirus cases at outlets in Melbourne,is trialling the measure in Victoria.
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Josh Cullinan,secretary of the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union,said the checks were a"gross invasion of privacy"and some McDonald's workers had been told they were mandated by the Victorian government. He claimed the devices used by McDonald's were"uncalibrated"and its managers"untrained"in their use.
"Workers were not consulted about the policy or given any opportunity to voice concern,"he said.
McDonald's does not keep records of its employees'temperatures. The Victorian government has advised employees at McDonald's to take their temperature before they leave home if they are unsure whether they are unwell.