The Association is not asking for compulsory vaccination
Staff Reporter
Auckland, October 7, 2021
The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) has called for mandatory carrying of Digital Vaccine Passports to enter the workplace, with digital exemptions and extra precautions applying to those who cannot do so or choose not to be vaccinated.
EMA Chief Executive Brett O’Riley said that the Vaccine Passport, currently being investigated by the government, will give employers and employees the certainty and the safety that they want in their workplace and will give an incentive to those hesitant about getting vaccinated.
“A majority of New Zealanders are getting vaccinated, and we know some employers were already using a no jab, no entry policy to protect their workplaces prior to this latest outbreak. Under health and safety legislation employers have to provide a safe and healthy workplace for their workers and carrying vaccine passports is one way to do this,” he said.
Mr O’Riley said that people would need to show their valid Vaccine Passport while visiting a workplace, retail or service outlet, a bar or restaurant.
“Those that cannot be vaccinated for medical, religious or other reasons must apply for and carry a Digital Exemption and may have to wear masks and/or register for track and tracing (Current Policy at Level 3) to be allowed. The unvaccinated may have to take responsibility for the circumstances or decisions they face while the extra precautions would help employers manage a potential mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated staff,” Mr O’Riley said.
He said that EMA is not asking for compulsory vaccination in the workplace.
Possible legal pursuits
“The government has made it clear that is a step too far under various legislated rights for our citizens, but it has also failed to step up with any direction or guidance for businesses trying to manage and create vaccination policies in the workplace. The current risk-based approach recommended by the Minister and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is a recipe for court cases, costs and delays while jurisprudence is sorted. The last thing businesses need now is more uncertainty,” Mr O’Riley said.
He said that carrying the Passport would encourage hesitant workers to get vaccinated or face extra safety measures.
“Many of our members draw their workforces from communities that have proved hard to reach in the current vaccination programme and this would be another way of reaching into those communities. We would also like to see changes made at the border to incentivise vaccination as well. If the border is to remain in place long-term, as indicated by Director- General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield, then allow the fully vaccinated to travel through the border with proof of a negative test.
About The Employers and Manufacturers Association
The EMA is New Zealand’s largest business service organisation dedicated to helping people and businesses grow. It offers advice, learning, advocacy and support for more than 7,400 businesses as members of the EMA, ExportNZ and The EMA’s Manufacturers Network. It is a part of the BusinessNZ Network and its territory spans the upper North Island. The EMA also offers many of its services nationally to member businesses, and through its partners.
