Both NSW and Victoria are facing an incredibly difficult health, operational and economic environment with the outbreak of the Delta variant of COVID-19.
The narrative from the NSW government is clear that we must learn to live with the virus and leaving the state desperately seeking to suppress the spread to minimise the impact on our hospital system in a race to reach the target of having 70 to 80% of our adult population vaccinated.
Whilst the NSW government is not mandating the population to become vaccinated (other than those employed in prescribed services), they are certainly applying pressure on employers to force staff in certain other essential industries to do so. As outlined in this week's member update, from 12.01am on Monday 30 August an Authorised Worker must not leave their Area of Concern for work unless they have had at least 1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine; or have been issued with a medical contraindication certificate.
The alternative is for businesses to deploy Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) with member feedback suggesting that this solution is cost prohibitive.
Putting aside personal beliefs as to whether or not individuals should be forced to be vaccinated, the reality is that many employers and employees are now in the diabolical situation of being in workplace disputes, balancing commercial sustainability versus individual's rights.
We have approached our legal counsel Mills Oakley who have agreed to deliver an interactive webinar tomorrow Thursday 26 August 2021 at 1.30pm AEST to address members' concerns.
Please join us in an interactive webinar to hear from Alexander Millman (Senior Associate - Workplace Relations, Employment and Safety) and Harold Downes (Partner - Workplace Relations, Employment and Safety)
Paul Zalai - Director FTA | Secretariat APSA | Director GSF |
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