Workers anxious about future, vaccine

SOME staff members of Lyndhurst Pte Ltd are worried about their future, claiming they have been directed to get vaccinated for COVID-19 or stay at home.

A staff member who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the directive came from a senior executive who said that beginning next week, only those vaccinated would be permitted to work.

“I have not been vaccinated as it is in conflict with my religious beliefs but the directive to get the jab or stay home has got me very concerned as I am a breadwinner,” the single mother said.

Another factory worker said ever since the manufacturing company resumed operations last week, senior staff members had been telling workers to get vaccinated so the company could continue to operate.

“I am a long-time employee at Lyndhurst and I want to help the company stay on its feet but to go against my religious beliefs has got me very conflicted so now I’m very concerned about what the future holds,” she said.

Questions sent to Lyndhurst Pte Ltd regarding the issue remain unanswered.

Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr James Fong has previously said vaccinations were not mandatory but urged every Fijian to get the jab.

Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission director Ashwin Raj said the issue was far more complex than employers coercing employees.

“States have a positive obligation to protect the health and life of their residents including those that are vulnerable to certain diseases and those who cannot have specific vaccines for medical reasons,” he said.