Get Adult Family Members Vaccinated: Towler
A new employment condition rolled out by a textile factory, requires its staff to ensure adults they live with are vaccinated, as well.
Amember of the clothing and textile council has given its employees until the end of the month to provide proof that adults they live with are vaccinated against COVID-19.
Performance Flotation Development Fiji Limited, a textile factory that operates in Nabua, is trialling the initiative.
The company was the first manufacturer to put in practise the No Jab, No Job policy - one which the Government has since adopted.
Performance Flotation Development managing director, Mike Towler, said: “I have made it a condition of employment that all staff have to get the adult members of their households vaccinated by the end of July.
“Workers can stay home until they have their vaccinations.”
He said employees were required to provide proof by way of a photo of the vaccinated card of adults concerned.
The deadline for proof was initially set for today.
“We will extend the date to the end of the month,” Mr Towler said.
Swift response
Some staff responded swiftly with proof that adult family members were vaccinated.
“One has already moved to other accommodation because other family members refuse to be vaccinated,” Mr Towler said.
“They are taking the demand seriously by doing something about it.
“I will assist them in moving if they have to, both physically and financially.”
Mr Towler provided transport for a staff member to get his family vaccinated.
“They need his income,” he said.
“The pressure is working.”
Why the need
Some workers showed positive symptoms of the virus, which they contracted from members of their respective households, Mr Towler said.
“This is the reason I am taking this stand,” he said.
“Let’s just follow the scientific advice, and the prime minister.”
Mark One Apparel commended the initiative, and said it would follow from July 15.
Mark One has given all pre-COVID staff until July 15, to receive the first jab, or face termination .
As of the last count, over 120,000 people have received their first vaccination.
Performance Flotation Development employs 200 people.
The company was established in 1996, and manufactures mainly sportswear, life jackets, safety harnesses and stretchers.
The company’s main market for export is Australia and New Zealand, with imports of raw materials from India, China, Australia.
The sector employs 7000 people.