We have been receiving enquiries from members about whether the COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for ALL TfNSW employees.
PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER
The only employees required to be vaccinated, or have an appointment to be vaccinated by 19 September 2021 are those who in accordance with the Public Health Orders are an affected worker, meaning:
- You live in an area of concern;
- You have a permit to leave the area of concern for work;
- You need to leave the area of concern to attend for work; and
- You have been in the area of concern during the previous 14 days.
If you are an employee who is required under the Public Health Orders to get, or have an appointment to be vaccinated in order to attend work and do not wish to meet those requirements you will be unable to attend work. In those circumstances you will be required to utilise your own leave.
MANDATORY VACCINATION
TfNSW has not mandated the vaccination for all its workforce. Whilst, mandatory vaccinations for certain diseases is not a new industrial development before making vaccinations mandatory TfNSW would need to assess whether or not it would be a lawful and reasonable directive. It would require an assessment of a myriad of factors.
The NSW Government has issued a circular which provides guidance for Government Sector Agencies regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for employees. The circular is available HERE.
At this stage the PSA has been advised TfNSW are only looking at compliance with the Public Health Orders
Vaccination discussions in the workplace
The PSA understands that mandatory vaccinations remain a divisive issue, and encourages all members to maintain appropriate and respectful behavior when discussing the matter with colleagues, and your union.
If you have any questions you can contact the PSA on 1300 772 679, or you can reach out to your PSA Industrial staff directly whose details are below.
Ben James (Organiser): 0408 485 535
Jessica Moore (Industrial Officer): 0408 213 339
Support your Union and if you are not member you can join the PSA HERE.