News
Air New Zealand raises prospect of widening vaccine mandate: report
September 3rd 2021
Air New Zealand (Air NZ) chief operational integrity and safety officer, Captain David Morgan, said the airline was mulling the expansion of a compulsory vaccination mandate to more workers, local media reported. Read More » Currently, government rules introduced earlier this year require frontline staff such as cabin crew, pilots and airport workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by November. Morgan told local media the rule applied to about 2,300 workers and the airline was deciding if it would expand the vaccination mandate to all staff that came into contact with customers or their baggage. The change would lift compulsory vaccination requirements to about 4,000 staff, roughly half of all employees. Morgan said a decision was expected by September 17. Media reports said the Star Alliance member has sent a note to staff seeking feedback. “We are aware and respect that the decision to be vaccinated is a personal one, but we also have a duty to take all reasonably practicable measures to protect our employees from harm,” the note to staff said. “The fast-changing nature of the virus means we need to move quickly to make a decision on this. We appreciate there will be different views on vaccination and that if we go ahead with the proposal this may impact on your ability to continue working in your current role."
