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The Citizen writes that SA’s trade union movement could soon find itself at loggerheads with employers over some workers refusing to be vaccinated against Covid.
This despite a public assurance by President Cyril Ramaphosa that inoculation was not mandatory. According to public health lawyer Safura Abdool Karim, companies had an obligation “to create a safe working space for their employees” – in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and a directive issued by the Department of Employment and Labour. He advised further: “Part of that (obligation) can include mandatory Covid vaccination for employees. Companies choosing to terminate employment of workers for not vaccinating do have a legal basis upon which to do so. There is a case for employees who have a medical condition preventing them from working in a particular environment. Companies are compelled to make a reasonable accommodation for such employees, like allowing them to work from home.” But with some businesses expected to invoke OHSA in instances of employees rejecting vaccination, labour federation Cosatu has warned that no employer has a right to dismiss workers over non-vaccination. Spokesperson Sizwe Pamla said: “The ministerial direction is specific that no worker can be forced to vaccinate or be dismissed for refusing a vaccine. We will use the [Labour Relations Act] and the constitution to defend workers.”
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Brian Sokutu at The Citizen
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page