On Tuesday, 26 October TAFE NSW advised the CPSU NSW it intends to introduce mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for all staff.
While the CPSU NSW encourages members to discuss vaccination with their doctor in line with the public health advice, we’re concerned the TAFE NSW proposal lacks rigour and a strong legal basis.
Currently Public Health Orders make vaccination mandatory for certain employees in TAFE, particularly those providing training or support to students working in high-risk industries. However the PHOs do not apply universally and we expect some staff to object to a mandatory direction from TAFE NSW in the absence of a corresponding health order.
TAFE NSW has also advised the CPSU NSW that it does not intend to make student vaccination compulsory, bringing into question the effectiveness of the overall strategy.
We expect TAFE NSW to shortly circulate a survey to all staff on vaccination (indeed you may have already received it) in what appears to be an attempt to window-dress their failure to properly consult.
At this stage we are advising TAFE NSW staff not to complete the survey, until a proper process of consultation occurs and staff concerns are adequately addressed.
We will be organising meetings in the coming week as more information becomes available.
For further information, contact our CPSU NSW Organiser Shane Jobberns on 1300 772 679 or your local delegate.
Join the CPSU NSW today at www.cpsunsw.org.au/join
