Australian unions have slammed the national cabinet decision to allow close contacts in essential industries who test negative to COVID-19 to return to work. The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), the peak union body, also condemned the decision against making rapid antigen tests (RATs) free and accessible for all Australians. “The announcement [on Jan. 13] allowing more workers who are close contacts to attend work is not a solution to the current crisis,” the union said. “It increases risk; and could increase sickness in workplaces and across the community at a time health workers and hospitals are already overwhelmed.” ACTU wrote to Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday evening demanding free RATs and the restoration of paid pandemic leave for close contacts and those forced out of work but have yet to receive a response. “The federal government’s plan to open up, if there is one, has clearly failed …