Members of Professionals Australia have begun indefinite protected industrial action after claiming the ACT Government failed to respond to a request for a hazard allowance for forensic scientists working in clandestine drug laboratories.

The union says scientists at the ACT Government Analytical Laboratory, along with medical physicists, pharmacists and other technical professionals, began work bans on Monday as part of an enterprise bargaining dispute.

Professionals Australia says forensic scientists entering drug labs are exposed to hazardous substances including methamphetamine and fentanyl but do not receive a hazard allowance.

The union is also seeking a pay rise above the government’s offer of 3 per cent a year for three years, improved superannuation and backdated pay to June 1.

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