Workers against vaccination

By GLORIA BAUAI
LACK of proper awareness and consultation by Mainland Holdings Limited with its employees on the Coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination and its health policy incited fear among them, an employee says.
Nebare Ku, a crocodile catcher from Mainland Holdings’ crocodile farm, said Lae-based employees across its three subsidiaries united to stand against the company’s push to have all its employees vaccinated against the Covid-19 by end of August (yesterday).
He said the majority of the staff were vaccinated, but many were forced because their jobs were threatened.
Ku said from the 143 employees at the crocodile farm, only 20 were not yet to be vaccinated.
He said the decision not to get vaccinated was when Mainland failed to explain the effects experienced by those that were vaccinated.
“Our stand now is to not get vaccine but exercise social distancing, wearing of mask and using hand sanitisers,” he said
Ku alleged that the company said to remove non-vaccinated family members of employees residing within company premises, and letting those non-vaccinated staff go without any company entitlements.
More than 100 employees, both vaccinated and non-vaccinated, fronted the headquarters gate at 8-Mile in heavy rain, calling for the policy to be retracted and chief executive officer Brian Fraser to step down.
The employees petitioned the company to withdraw the policy or face the consequence of mass resignation.
Termination letters of non-vaccinated employees at the crocodile farm were delivered by manager Eric Langelet.
He said the deadline for vaccination was extended to Friday.
Mainland management has not responded to requests for comment.
Meanwhile, a memo sighted by The National, signed by Fraser, stated that non-vaccinated employees would not be allowed to enter supplier or client premises and production workers would need to be vaccinated before handling products.
It said new recruits, including casuals needed to be vaccinated at least once before commencing work and suppliers and service providers would not be allowed entry without a vaccination card.
Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu was concerned about the report.
In a statement yesterday, Saonu said vaccination was voluntary.
“People have the freedom to get vaccinated or not,” he said.
“That is the choice, however, companies can enforce strict Covid-19 protocols as per advised by the National Health Department and World Health Organisation. Morobe government will not tolerate the mistreatment of people who are contributing to the economy and have families that depend on them.”