Queensland construction workers will fight any laws making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory on building sites, after the state made proof of vaccination a condition of entry for NSW construction workers.
Only police, health workers and certain construction workers who have had at least one vaccine dose will be able to enter Queensland from NSW from 1am on Saturday.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young says police will be checking vaccination records at NSW road border checkpoints.
“We know the vast majority of people do the right thing, but there will be checks at the border,” she said in a statement.
“These restrictions are in place to ensure there is minimal movement over the border and everyone follows the right processes to keep Queenslanders and our community safe.”
Building unions say they strongly support the health advice and COVID-safe work sites, but they’re concerned that the Queensland government may be considering “no jab, no job” laws.
The Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union, the Electrical Trades Union, the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, and the Plumbing Trades Employees Union warn that such laws would remove the rights of workers to make “Informed personal choices”.
“The Building Trades Group of unions in no way underestimates the public health challenges in managing a deadly virus such as COVID-19, but punitive measures that create two classes of citizens is not a path out of this pandemic,” the group said in a statement.
“We strongly support and have followed the health advice that has helped keep Queenslanders safe and our members working, even during periods of restrictions and lockdown.
“Ultimately though, medical decisions must be a matter for an individual acting on the advice of their doctor, and workers should not be punished for acting according to their own personal circumstances.”
The builders’ unions said they already have robust COVID-19 safety policies for work sites, such as staggered start, finish and break times, social distancing, cleaning and hygiene practices, mandatory face masks and testing.
The group said it was also open to discussing further safety measures with the Queensland government to make workplaces safer from the virus.
“We continue to work with employers and members to keep our industry safe, working and fully informed, but do not accept that coercive measures are part of any solution,” the unions said.
“Any employer found to be illegally coercing workers however, will be dealt with by BTG unions to the full extent of the law.”
AAP
