Qantas to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all staff

Qantas has announced plans to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all staff, as part of the national carrier’s commitment to safety.

All frontline employees – including cabin crew, pilots and airport workers – will need to be fully vaccinated by 15 November 2021, with the remainder of employees by 31 March 2022. Exemptions will be provided for those who are unable for documented medical reasons to be vaccinated, which is expected to be very rare.

The policy announcement follows extensive consultation with Qantas and Jetstar employees. Additionally, a survey of more than 1000 Qantas customers was conducted. 92 percent of those who responded said they expect Qantas crew to be fully vaccinated.

Thousands of aviation workers supporting international flights in New South Wales, South Australia and New Zealand are already required to be vaccinated by those jurisdictions. Multiple airlines around the world have also made it a requirement.

Announcing the policy, Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said: “Having a fully vaccinated workforce will safeguard our people against the virus but also protect our customers and the communities we fly to.”

Further discussions will take place with employees, their health and safety representatives and unions over the coming weeks on the detail of the policy, including how medical exemptions will be applied.

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