Whitehaven rewarding workers for receiving COVID vaccination

Whitehaven is encouraging its employees to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated against COVID-19.

As an incentive for workers, it has initiated a rewards scheme for immunised staff.

From September, a $250 gift card will be offered to every employee who is fully vaccinated under the federal government’s COVID-19 vaccination program by February 28, 2022.

Workers who are fully vaccinated by December 31, 2021, will go into a draw to win a travel voucher worth $10,000.

Whitehaven Coal chief executive officer and managing director Paul Flynn said the company, as a major regional employer, has a continuing obligation to do all it can to keep its people and the communities safe.

“Of course, getting vaccinated isn’t mandatory but I believe it’s crucial that as individuals and as a company we take a strong leadership position on what is unequivocally the biggest issue facing our nation today,” he said.

“We have announced Whitehaven’s COVID-19 Vaccination Reward program, to encourage our people to roll up their sleeve, get vaccinated and do their bit to get us back to point where we live and work as we did before the pandemic, sharing time with family and friends and collaborating again together to build a better, stronger business.”

The company’s vaccination reward program is open to employees and contractors and proof of vaccination using the Australian government’s COVID-19 vaccination certificate will be required.

People who are already vaccinated can also receive the $250 gift card, the company said.

“From August 30, 2021, all Australians over 16 will be eligible to be vaccinated. Whitehaven is encouraging its people to speak to a health practitioner about their suitability to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, based on their individual circumstances, and book a vaccination appointment as soon as possible,” a spokesperson said.