More mandatory workplace jabs expected in coming months
More big businesses are expected to announce mandatory vaccination for staff in the coming months, with legal challenges likely.
More big businesses are expected to announce mandatory vaccination for staff in the coming weeks and months, setting the scene for court battles with the Federal Government doubling down against providing legal protection.
It follows Qantas joining SPC in announcing mandatory jabs for all staff, which has already prompted a furious reaction from the Transport Workers Union.
Industry groups have indicated big public-facing companies are more likely to push for mandatory vaccination of their staff, while small business unable to pay for court battles will proceed with voluntary jabs.
It comes as a roundtable of unions and employer groups headed by Attorney-General Michaelia Cash yesterday discussed issues around workplace rights on vaccination.
Australian Council of Trade Unions secretary Sally McManus said encouraging vaccination was the key and urged against conflict and division.
“Last year we saw what can be achieved when everyone works together in the national interest. This is what we should do, and not let vaccines become a source of conflict in our workplaces and community,” she said.
Australian Industry Group boss Innes Willox said the government made it clear businesses would need to seek their own legal advice on whether they could mandate vaccination among their employees.
“Mandating of vaccinations will not be appropriate in all workplaces, but it will be for some. It will not be surprising if more businesses that are public facing or have workers in proximity announce decisions to mandate vaccinations over the months ahead,” he said.
But Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry boss Andrew McKellar said while voluntary vaccination was the best approach to encourage take-up, the federal government should provide indemnity for employers who encourage jabs particularly through a workplace rollout.
“We want as many workplaces to take part in the rollout – this requires indemnity protections for businesses from government.”
Senator Cash reiterated the Australian government’s position that vaccination is free and voluntary, unless a state or territory public health order is in place.
“The Australian government‘s position of voluntary vaccination does not detract from individual employers seeking their own advice and mandating for their workforce if they have assessed that it is the right decision for them,” she said.
