Joining the likes of Qantas and SPC, Virgin Australia also emphasises mandatory COVID-19 inoculations

Following the footprints of Qantas, Virgin Australia recently proposed a mandatory Covid-19 vaccination policy for its staff members. According to the policy, it will be compulsory for frontline employees such as flight crew and airport workers to take Covid-19 jabs by 15th November. The remaining employees can get vaccinated by March 2022. 

Consultations will be held on the proposed policy with staff and union representatives prior to a formal policy being publicly declared next month. Exemptions will be given on a case to case basis. 

Jayne Hrdlicka, Virgin Australia CEO said that the gravity of the delta virus outbreak in Sydney can be gauged by the effect one corona case can cause on the employees and wider community. She also added that the business of the airline has been badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination is the only way to ensure the welfare of all. Ensuring the safety of Virgin Australia’s staff is their priority given the high public exposure they encounter on a daily basis.

Hrdlicka also assured that the majority of employees at Virgin Australia are vaccinated. They are currently in talks with the team members to chalk out the best policy for their organisation. She said, “We will now commence discussing the proposed vaccination requirement in detail with our team through our internal safety committees, unions and other appropriate forums.” 

An internal education campaign is expected to roll out with qualified experts by Virgin Australia. This will be done to encourage staff to get vaccinated. 

Virgin Australia’s recent survey revealed that over 75% of the frontline workforce have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 jab. Another 9% have got themselves registered for vaccination. In the case of its office-based workers, over 56% have taken at least one dose. Else,  27% have been registered for vaccination.