Queensland builder unions oppose mandatory vaccination push

Four Queensland construction unions have announced they will fight any laws making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory on building sites.

CFMEU, ETU, AMWU and PPTEU have released a joint statement warning that such laws would remove the rights of workers to make “informed personal choices”.

Queensland construction unions will fight any laws making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory on building sites, it has been revealed, as the state ramps up vaccine pushes.

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”.

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 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 joint 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.”

“Any employer found to be illegally coercing workers however, will be dealt with by BTG unions to the full extent of the law.”