Virgin Australia mandates Covid-19 vaccinations for employees

Dhaka: Virgin Australia is the latest Australian airline to mandate employee COVID-19 vaccinations. The airline confirmed the decision on September 16. Frontline and airport-based team members will be required to be vaccinated by November 15, 2021. All other office-based team members must get vaccinated by March 31, 2022.

This is the right policy for the extraordinary times we live in and is a decision that will keep our people safe,” said Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka. “We know this will be difficult for some of our people, but we have a responsibility to do our part to protect our people, the community, and our way of life. Vaccination is the way to do that.”

Saying exemptions for employees with medical contraindications or other reasons that can be substantiated will be considered on a case-by-case basis, Ms Hrdlicka said the mandate followed a two-week consultation period with unions, employees, contractors, and suppliers.

“We have listened to all the feedback we have received, either directly or through unions, and made some changes to our proposed policy based on this feedback,” the Virgin Australia boss said.

Virgin Australia’s vaccination decision follows Alliance Airlines and Qantas making Covid-19 vaccinations compulsory for their employees and setting deadlines. Simple Flying understands Regional Express (Rex) is close to making a vaccination decision after talking to their employees, unions, and other stakeholders.

Virgin Australia expects its employees to take all reasonable steps to be vaccinated by the deadline. But following the consultations, the airline is throwing a few sweeteners to encourage people along.

Virgin Australia will reimburse out-of-pocket expenses of up to AUD 100 for a visit to the doctor to discuss any vaccination concerns. The airline will also make changes to leave allowances in relation to vaccinations, giving up to two days of special circumstances leave if an employee feels unwell after being vaccinated, where that employee has two days or less of personal leave left.

Noting the barriers to booking vaccination appointments in some areas, short extensions may be available in certain circumstances where the availability of vaccines has been limited for individuals based on area and eligibility. Virgin Australia will also set down a clear process for those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical or other reasons. There will also be clarification of the vaccination verification process.