COVID-19: OPEN LETTER TO MUA MEMBERS

COVID-19: OPEN LETTER TO MUA MEMBERS

The Sydney Branch Executive of the Maritime Union of Australia writes with regards to the recent changes that were announced on Friday 27 August 2021 by the NSW Government and inserted into the Public Health (COVID-19 Additional Restrictions for Delta Outbreak) Order (No 2) 2021.

Working people continue to be affected by the way that this COVID-19 international health pandemic has been handled by the NSW Government. Their backflip on Rapid Antigen Testing on Friday is yet another example of the way this pandemic continues to be mismanaged.

The MUA Sydney Branch has regularly stated the position of the Union with regards to these Public Health Orders, but reiterates our points as follows:

1. The MUA Sydney Branch strongly encourages all members to get the COVID-19 vaccination, for those members who can be vaccinated. Science has demonstrated that vaccinations along with other measures including enhanced indoor ventilation, masking, touchpoint cleaning and physical distancing are the most effective ways to fight COVID-19 and keep each other safe.

2. The MUA Sydney Branch respects members having choice in COVID-19 vaccine. There is a lack of public confidence particularly with the AstraZeneca vaccine and the MUA has openly advocated that all Authorised Workers and indeed all people should get access to the best vaccine(s) available, which currently is the Pfizer vaccination.

3. The MUA Sydney Branch supports choice for members who don’t want to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Those members who have legitimate exemptions such as health reasons or simply choose not to have the vaccine must be accommodated by both the Government and employers.

4. The MUA Sydney Branch renews our call for the NSW Government to establish, fund and facilitate industry wide access to Rapid Antigen Testing for all workers who cannot get access to the COVID-19 vaccination, have legitimate exemptions such as health reasons or simply choose not to have the vaccine.

5. The MUA Sydney Branch opposes companies having a blanket mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for all workers that goes beyond the provisions of the Public Health Order.

The MUA has strongly encouraged members to get the COVID-19 vaccination on a voluntary basis and note that we do not only have responsibility to ourselves, but the community at large as part of our collective responsibility as workers. Our personal health, but also our jobs and economic livelihoods depend on reducing the need for further lockdown measures to ensure the safety of the community and see it as the only ethical pathway to ending this pandemic.

For those workers who have not been vaccinated, due to a lack of access to vaccination as well as legitimate exemptions such as health reasons or simply choose not to have the vaccine, the NSW Government and industry must make Rapid Antigen Tests available. The late-night removal of Rapid Antigen Tests by the NSW Government last Friday night was an act of bastardry and demonstrates their ongoing “policy on the run” approach to responding to this COVID-19 health crisis.

The MUA expects the NSW Government to expedite support for all workers, including maritime and public transport workers who are Authorised Workers in NSW, by including the immediate rolling out of Rapid Antigen Tests and providing prioritised access to the appropriate vaccine of choice.

The Public Health Order needs to be changed to accommodate all workers and the MUA will keep fighting for this.

The MUA notes that some members will seek to execute their choice not to get the vaccine. We will continue to fight for the rights of members, but also acknowledge that Government and employers will look to implement the consequences of choice. This is something the MUA Sydney Branch will be dealing with as we get closer to the changes that will be implemented in the new Public Health Order which has effect as of next Monday, 6 September 2021.

The MUA Sydney Branch rejects threats of discipline or termination as an approach to increasing vaccination rates. The MUA Sydney Branch insists that all employers respect the terms and conditions of EBAs and the general principle of human rights. There are feasible and practical ways to accommodate working people who are hesitant or opposed to vaccination. These include regular testing, PPE and remote work, along with other proven health and safety protocols which are feasible alternatives to threats, discipline and termination.

The MUA Sydney Branch Executive thanks all members for the work that you all are doing through this international health pandemic and further acknowledge the work that all members are doing to keep the maritime industry moving.

MUA members have always been essential workers and your work continues to demonstrate the importance of our role in the maritime industry and community at large.

Yours In Unity,

Paul Keating Secretary
Paul Garrett Deputy Secretary
Nathan Donato Assistant Secretary
Brad Dunn Assistant Secretary