By Sue-Ann Wayow
EMPLOYEES at Republic Bank Ltd who do not wish to obtain a Covid-19 vaccine do not have to immediately worry about their job being in jeopardy based on the choice not to become vaccinated.
The bank, however, continues to urge its unvaccinated workforce to get an added layer of protection against the virus by accepting one of three available vaccines.
In a circular to its staff members, Republic Bank stated, “Until further notice, though still maintaining our requirement for compliance with all our policy measures implemented to sustain a safe working environment, inclusive of the 3 Ws, effective immediately and until further notice, we are suspending taking any further disciplinary action against employees who may be in breach of the return-to-work policy.”
“Whilst we salute the vast majority of our employees for stepping forward and doing what is right for yourselves, family, community and country, we are hereby once again reaching out to our minority residual hesitant members of staff, imploring you to reconsider your position,” the bank added.
The Banking, Insurance and General Workers’ Union (BIGWU) had been lobbying for the removal of the workplace policy as it was an infringement on workers’ rights, the union said.
From September 6, 2021, the bank mandated that all staff be vaccinated. If they were not, they were required to provide management with negative PCR tests every fortnight to continue working.
