SPC vaccine requirement for workers sparks social media threats

Threats have been made to contaminate SPC products after the canned food giant announced vaccination would be mandatory for staff.

All SPC workers must be vaccinated by the end of November. Photo: Stuart McEvoy/The Australian.

Police are investigating after social media threats were made against food manufacturer SPC following its announcement Covid vaccines would be mandatory for all staff.

A police spokeswoman said investigators from Shepparton, where SPC has a facility, were probing reports of threats about food contamination of SPC products.

The police spokeswoman said anyone found to be contaminating food products could be charged with a serious offence and could face up to 15 years in prison.

In an Australian first, the Shepparton food processor this mpnth confirmed staff and visitors to the site must be vaccinated to access any company location.

SPC’s senior leadership team and board said it recognised the threat of the Covid-19 Delta variant.

“Lockdowns are not a sustainable solution and the Australian economy needs to open up again,” SPC chairman Hussein Rifai said.

“The Delta variant poses a significant threat to our people, our customers and the communities we serve. The only path forward for our country is through vaccination.

“As a company, we believe it is the right thing to do and we must go further to minimise risk and to protect the people we care about from the Delta variant.”

SPC chairman Hussein Rifai.

Staff must have had their first dose scheduled by September 15 to be administered by the end of October.

Staff will be given time off to receive their vaccinations alongside special paid leave for up to two days for anyone who may become unwell.

“We have already implemented rigorous safety plans at all our sites in response to the pandemic,” SPC chief executive Robert Giles said.

“These plans have ensured our people’s health, safety and job security while ensuring business continuity for the essential service we provide to the broader community. But Australian companies must go further by rapidly vaccinating their staff.

“By taking proactive steps now, we are shoring up our company for the future.

“We firmly believe that it will be manufacturers and innovators like SPC who will help drive Australia’s post-COVID economic recovery.”

For those with a pre-existing condition and are unable to receive the vaccine their circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

“SPC will continue to align their practices with the Human Rights Act and Federal and State Discrimination Laws and will review any requests for exemptions on a case-by-case basis,” Mr Giles said.

According to Mr Giles, SPC is looking at all options to have all of its options to get its staff vaccinated including a pop-up clinic.

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