TAKING a stand and setting a lead for other companies to follow, in an Australian first, iconic Shepparton manufacturer, SPC will mandate that all of its staff must be fully vaccinated by the end of November to gain entry to any company location.
SPC’s senior leadership team and board recognise the significant threat the COVID-19 Delta variant poses to both the business and the broader Australian community.
A fully vaccinated workforce will ensure that SPC can continue to deliver an essential service while helping Australia return to an open economy in line with the Prime Minister’s four-point plan out of COVID.
SPC CEO, Robert Giles, said: “We have already implemented rigorous safety plans at all our sites in response to the pandemic.
These plans have ensured our people’s health, safety and job security while ensuring business continuity for the essential service we provide to the broader community. But Australian companies must go further by rapidly vaccinating their staff.”
All SPC staff, including casual and permanent staff as well as contractors, must have at least the first dose of the vaccine scheduled by September 15 2021, with the first dose administered by the end of October. Any visitors to an SPC site will also be required to be vaccinated.
SPC Chairman, Hussein Rifai, said, “Lockdowns are not a sustainable solution and the Australian economy needs to open up again. The Delta variant poses a significant threat to our people, our customers and the communities we serve. The only path forward for our country is through vaccination.”
All staff will be aided and offered compensation via paid time off when required to receive their vaccinations as well as special paid leave of up to 2 days for any staff who may become unwell after vaccination.
Local Member for Nicholls, Damian Drum was immediate in complimenting the company for its decision. “It is a courageous decision and one that sets the tone for corporate Australia, particularly in light of the threat the Delta variant poses to families, communities and business.
“The reasoning and timelines outlined by SPC management are fair and reasonable, including the provision of special paid leave of up to two days for any staff who may become unwell after vaccination.
“As I have from the outset, I’m encouraging everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they can,” said Mr Drum.
“In my opinion, people who can receive the vaccination but choose not to are being selfish and holding Australia back.”
“By taking proactive steps now, we are shoring up our Company for the future. We firmly believe that it will be manufacturers and innovators like SPC who will help drive Australia’s post-COVID economic recovery,” concluded Rob Giles.
