Virgin Australia announced on Monday that the COVID-19 vaccine would be mandated across its workforce.
The airline revealed that it is commencing consultation with unions and employees to require COVID-19 vaccination for all team members.
The company believes that mandating vaccination is the best way to protect the health and safety of the airline’s workforce and passengers.
A consultation process will commence shortly with relevant unions, employees and safety committees before Virgin Australia decides a final policy in September
Currently Virgin is proposing that all frontline team members be vaccinated by 15 November 2021, and all office-based team members by 31 March 2022.
The airline did confirm however that those with medical exemptions will be considered “on a case-by-case” basis.
Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka stated that recent events such as recent lockdowns in Australia, have demonstrated that it only takes one person to start an outbreak of COVID-19.
“Virgin Australia is not alone as a business in being deeply affected by the events of recent months. It is clear that vaccination is the only way back to normal freedom of movement and the richness in life that comes from spending meaningful, in person time with family, friends and colleagues. “
“We trust medical experts, their advice and the evidence that shows that vaccines save lives and reduce hospitalisation rates” the CEO said.
Virgin Australia will continue to assist employees with securing vaccination appointments and provide flexible working arrangements, so team members can receive their vaccinations.
A recent survey of Virgin Australia team members found that over 75 per cent of our frontline workforce have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, with another 9 per cent registered for vaccination.
