Building sector rife with concerns over vaccine mandate despite more workers getting the jab

More construction workers are coming forward to get the Covid-19 jab, but concerns and frustrations are still rife in the building sector over the vaccine mandate and its implementation.

MORE construction workers are coming forward to get the Covid-19 jab, but concerns and frustrations are still rife in the building sector over the vaccine mandate and its implementation.

Master Builders NT chief executive Dave Malone said there was some anecdotal evidence showing the vaccination rate among construction workers was increasing, but his phone was still ringing hot with questions from his members.

Master Builders NT chief executive Dave Malone.

“When I was talking to members two weeks ago, a lot of them were saying they had 25-30 per cent of their staff unvaccinated and refusing to get the jab,” he said.

“Some are still in that situation, but I’ve also had quite a few saying those numbers are coming right down.

“Clearly, there are some people who are going to have a problem come November 13.”

Mr Malone said there had been a “polarised response” from construction workers, where some were opting to get vaccinated, while others had dug in their heels and had begun rallying against the mandate.

“We feel a little bit more confident about where we might land than we did two weeks ago,” he said.

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