Virgin joins vax mandate

VIRGIN Australia has joined Qantas in issuing a mandate for its staff to be fully vaccinated.

Under the terms of the new health policy, frontline and airport-based team members will be required to be fully vaccinated by 15 Nov, with all remaining office-based team members to be double jabbed by 31 Mar 2022.

VA said after consultation with staff it would be reimbursing employees left out of pocket by associated expenses such as GP visits to discuss vaccination concerns, and would provide access to extra leave for those who experience side effects.

The carrier also stated it would issue short extensions to staff who are unable to gain access to vaccines due to availability scarcity, while VA will also issue a clearer process for those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical or other reasons.

“This is the right policy for the extraordinary times we live in and is a decision that will keep our people safe,” VA’s CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said.

“We have a responsibility to do our part to protect our people and the community - vaccination is the way to do that,” she added.

MEAnWHiLE VA has also announced a raft of benefits for its loyalty members, including the extension of status credits until 2023 for eligible Velocity Platinum, Gold & Silver members.

Members will also be able to receive status credits for travel on reward seat bookings on eligible domestic flights for six months from 01 Oct, as well as redemptions on partner airline bookings to launch shortly.