AUGUST 10, 2021 – SPC have no clear answers to a comprehensive list of questions workers representatives have put to the canned food company over its’ demand workers be vaccinated by the end of October.
The canned food company failed to address the workers concerns that were put to them, including a call to remove the mandatory vaccination requirement as a condition of onsite work, by the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) in a meeting on Monday afternoon.
The AMWU say it should be up to public health officials to make a call on whether compulsory vaccination of workers is needed at certain workplaces not employers and employer groups.
Quotes attributable to AMWU Assistant State Secretary Victoria Jason Hefford (food and confectionery division):
“The lack of clear response on why workers weren’t consulted with and clear answers to our questions SPC have not properly thought this through.
“SPC have not given us clear answers on how the timeline of the demand can be met given there are supply and accessibility issues with the vaccine.
“Workers need to be involved in decisions that impact them - it’s unacceptable that they’ve not been consulted.”
Quotes attributable to AMWU National Secretary Steve Murphy:
“SPC have refused to remove their demand workers be compulsorily vaccinated as a condition of work, despite the Morrison Government standing up today and saying it wouldn’t be making vaccination mandatory.
“Getting vaccinated is the goal, our union backs this. The company’s approach does not help build workers trust and confidence.
“This is a public health matter, not an industrial one – it should not be left to bosses.”