Telstra in mandatory jabs battle

Union seeks legal advice on bid

A SHOWDOWN is looming between Telstra and unions over a proposed vaccine mandate that would force 3800 of the telco’s workers to be fully vaccinated, and potential “medical retirement” for anyone who declines the jab.

Telstra on Monday announced that it would require about a third of its workforce to be fully vaccinated, and has begun a one-week consultation period with staff, unions and partners ahead of what will be one of corporate Australia’s largest mandatory vaccination drives.

However, the telco is facing potential legal challenges, after CEO Andy Penn said in a letter to employees that those who refused the vaccine may be forced into “medical retirement”.

“This policy would make getting vaccinated a requirement for roles where they are in regular contact with customers, the public or other employees, such as our frontline and business-critical teams, and those who need to visit customer premises at times,” Mr Penn said.

He said the vaccine requirement would not apply to those who could work from home or employees outside Australia.

It would apply to about 8300 workers.

Telstra is working through the list of affected roles but at this stage it will include workers interacting regularly with customers and the public, or vulnerable people and communities.

“We would require people in these roles to get their first vaccination by October 15 and the second by November 15. That said, we would be flexible if there are vaccine supply issues,” Mr Penn said.

“I understand some people may choose not to get vaccinated – whether that is for personal or medical reasons. But given what’s at stake when it comes to protecting people’s health we would only consider exceptions on established medical grounds.

“We would do our best to find a suitable alternative role that does not require vaccination.

“If we are unable to find another role it may ultimately lead to medical retirement.”

The Communications Union said it was seeking legal advice about the proposals, in what could prove a significant test case for vaccine mandates for businesses. “

We know from the health advice that getting vaccinated will significantly reduce the threats posed by the virus to our members, their families, and the vulnerable groups they are in contact with,” a CEPU spokeswoman said.

However, she said Telstra would not be able to sack workers who may have a genuine medical exemption to vaccination.

“The law doesn’t provide for this, public health measures do not provide for this and we will be challenging this quite strongly,” she said.

Telstra is offering its employees a $200 voucher equivalent once fully vaccinated.