Some workers are concerned about what a vaccine mandate could mean for the future of their employment. Photo / NZME
Two Whanganui union leaders say there is a degree of vaccine hesitancy among some workers, as the Government moves to establish mandatory vaccination policies across a number of industries.
Assistant national secretary of Unite Union, Gerard Hehir, said some members, who are fast-food and hospitality staff, had raised concerns about
the idea of mandatory vaccination.
"Like the rest of society, there is hesitancy amongst some staff. Some don't want to be vaccinated, and have been in touch sharing that view," Hehir said. "It's fear. It's fear from stuff they've read online - it's misinformation and they've been lied to."
Hehir, who is based in the Manawatū/Whanganui region, said the union had looked at overseas examples where vaccination mandates have been put in place, and says that when it comes down to losing your job or getting a jab, most take the latter option.
"There is a lot of noise, but when push comes to shove, it's less than 1 per cent that actually quit their jobs.
