SYDNEY – Australian airline Qantas today said it will make Covid-19 vaccines mandatory for staff, as the company bids to get planes back into the skies.
The national carrier is one of the first major Australian firms to mandate vaccines for employees, saying the rule will also apply to its budget offshoot Jetstar.
Pilots, cabin crew and airport staff must be fully vaccinated by November 15, with other staff given until March 31 next year.
“Having a fully vaccinated workforce will safeguard our people against the virus, (and) also protect our customers and the communities we fly to,” said Qantas CEO Alan Joyce in a statement.
Qantas’ new rule comes after Australia’s conservative government said it will not make inoculation mandatory, leaving it to businesses to implement their own policies.
The airline said a staff survey found that 89% are willing to be vaccinated or already have been, while 4% are unwilling or unable.
“It’s clear that vaccinations are the only way to end the cycle of lockdowns and border closures, and for a lot of Qantas and Jetstar employees, that means getting back to work again,” said Joyce.
The carrier, which has thousands of employees furloughed due to pandemic travel disruptions, has been a vocal advocate of vaccines as it attempts to revive its business.
Qantas previously said it will require international travellers to be vaccinated, and has announced prize draws to entice Australians to get the jab. – AFP, August 18, 2021
